HC Deb 10 August 1916 vol 85 cc1202-4
10. Commander WEDGWOOD

asked whether any further steps are being taken or will shortly be taken with a view to exchanging the 4,000 British interned in Germany for the 20,000 Germans interned in this country; whether His Majesty's Government is aware of the wish of the British to get rid of these Germans once and for all even at the risk of presenting such material to Germany?

Lord R. CECIL

The German Government having inquired whether we are prepared to exchange all British and German civilians over forty-five years of age, we have agreed to do so in principle on certain conditions, the most important of which is that the remaining British civilians interned in Germany should be exchanged against an equal number of German civilians interned here.

Sir C. HENRY

May I ask whether the Noble Lord has received from the Home Office a classification of the civilian prisoners interned here?

Lord R. CECIL

Not a complete classification. I have received an estimate of the number of German prisoners over forty-five. Further inquiries are being made.

Sir C. HENRY

Can the Noble Lord give the number above forty-five years of age?

Lord R. CECIL

I am told there are about 4,000 out of the 26,000 who are over forty-five, but I ought to warn the House that this is an estimate and not an absolutely certain figure.

Mr. HUME-WILLIAMS

Is it intended to exchange an equal number?

Lord R. CECIL

The proposal which is the basis of discussion now is that all civilians over forty-five, irrespective of numbers, should be repatriated on the ground that they are not of so great military value, but that all civilians of military age should be exchanged in equal numbers?

Mr. G. LAMBERT

Can the Noble Lord say when he expects a reply?

Lord R. CECIL

It is very difficult to expect anything from the Gorman Government. I think the answer went off to Germany through the American Embassy two or three days ago

Mr. R. McNEILL

Does the Noble Lord say that men over forty-five in Germany are not liable for military service?

Lord R. CECIL

I do not know technically, but the Germans assert very strongly that that is so. We do not however, base ourselves on that but on the great desirability of getting British prisoners over forty-five out of Germany if we can, and on the relatively small military value of those we send back.

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