18 OCTOBER 1946, Page 5

It is of some interest to observe that Germans are

joining the French Foreign Legion in considerable numbers, and that the Legion is quite ready to welcome them. Indeed, a receiving-centre has been opened at Kehl, on the German bank of the Rhine, opposite Stras- bourg. The motives of the recruits are no doubt various, the principal one being probably the desire to get well clothed and fed. Not more than 25 per cent. of Germans will be accepted in any Legion regiment, and it looks as though that limit would be easily reached. It should be possible enough to absorb 25 per cent. in the general mass, especi- ally since two rules are implacably enforced—only French must be spoken and all political talk is banned. The Legion regiments serve not in France but overseas : there are three at present in Indo-China and others in North Africa.

jANUS.