Aliens, Armed Forces (British Citizenship)

Oral Answers to Questions — Government Departments – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 21 March 1945.

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Photo of Mr Daniel Lipson Mr Daniel Lipson , Cheltenham 12:00, 21 March 1945

asked the Prime Minister if he will extend the discussions with the Dominions concerning the possibility of Polish citizens being granted British nationality to include the request of many of other nationalities and of some Stateless persons, who are fighting in the British Forces, to be allowed to become British citizens.

Photo of Mr Clement Attlee Mr Clement Attlee , Stepney Limehouse

The existing law contains provisions relating to the naturalisation of persons who have been in the service of the Crown, and as far as concerns aliens who are serving in the British forces it seems unlikely that any sufficient reasons will arise for an amendment of the law. The position of members of the Polish Forces is different, and it is because of the special considerations which affect their position that the Dominions are being consulted on the question of an amendment of the British Nationality Act.

Photo of Mr Daniel Lipson Mr Daniel Lipson , Cheltenham

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these men who are fighting in the Forces of the Crown are very concerned about their future, and are very anxious to have British nationality? Could not the Government be a little more generous in this matter?

Photo of Mr Clement Attlee Mr Clement Attlee , Stepney Limehouse

This supplementary question seems to relate to administration. I have been answering my hon. Friend on a question of what the law is.

Miss Rathbone:

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that in this matter we have behaved far more meanly than the United States or any of our Dominions? In view of the smallness of our numbers compared with many of the larger States, both Allied and enemy, may I ask whether we can afford to reject gallant men who have been thought good enough to fight for us, but apparently are not thought good enough to bear the responsibility of becoming citizens?

Photo of Mr Clement Attlee Mr Clement Attlee , Stepney Limehouse

I do not think the hon. Lady could have heard my reply. I said that the law already provides for those who are serving in our Forces. The question of what is done under the law is not a matter for me. I do not administer the Nationalisation Acts and the question should not be put to me at all. The specific point put to me was about persons who are serving in the British forces.

Photo of Mr Oliver Locker-Lampson Mr Oliver Locker-Lampson , Birmingham Handsworth

Will the Deputy Prime Minister not forget the Jews, who are Stateless and ought perhaps to come first?

Photo of Mr Clement Attlee Mr Clement Attlee , Stepney Limehouse

No, I do not forget them.

Photo of Mr Samuel Silverman Mr Samuel Silverman , Nelson and Colne

The right hon. Gentleman says that there are already laws, but that he does not administer them; will he bear in mind that the Home Secretary has declared more than once that the question of naturalisation will have to be postponed until the end of the war? Does he think it is necessary to postpone a question of this urgency?

Photo of Mr Clement Attlee Mr Clement Attlee , Stepney Limehouse

If my hon. Friend wants an answer to the question he must put it to the Home Secretary.