HC Deb 13 November 1945 vol 415 cc2061-2W
Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Czech soldiers are at present in the Czechoslovak army depot at Southend-on-Sea; how many are forcibly detained there; and whether he will give an undertaking that none of them will be repatriated to Czechoslovakia except at their own free will.

Mr. Lawson

After the completion of certain moves now taking place, 780 Czechoslovak soldiers will be at Southend. On 3rd November 17 soldiers were in detention for disciplinary reasons and 41 ex-prisoners of war were also held at the depot. As regards the last part of the Question, His Majesty's Government must, of course, in this and other similar cases, reserve the right to deport when this is considered necessary.