FOREIGN LEGION

Evening Star, Issue 23696, 2 October 1940, Page 10

FOREIGN LEGION

LADY ASTOR'S PLAN “ Hundreds of foreign nurses and midwives—most of them once held jobs in defence areas —have been dismissed and are now idle,” said Lady Astor in August, when she spoke of her scheme •to recruit a women’s foreign legion. She hopes to enlist many alien women

who are not now allowed to work in Britain, together with others who may be freed from internment camps fol* lowing the Government’s investigation into selected cases. “ They can’t get a job anywhere, although the services they render ar® valuable,” continued Lady Astor. “ These women get unemployment assistance and are left to fill their empty days as best they can. Sooner or later they are bound to change their feelinga of loyalty and gratitude into bitternes* and discontent.” Lady Astor wants the legion to b® conducted on a voluntary plan and b® open to any friendly woman alien. The legion officers will jbe British, anil members would be classified in group* according to their qualifications. Hostels, uniforms, or badges will b® provided, and the' amount which th® Government is now spending on their upkeep would be their weekly pay.