HC Deb 08 November 1916 vol 87 cc210-2
98. Mr. MALCOLM

asked the Treasurer of the Household whether negotiations-have yet been concluded for the repatriation of British and Austro-Hungarian prisoners of war over a specified age?

Mr. J. HOPE (Treasurer of the Household)

I regret that I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member when he put the same question on the 31st October.

Mr. MALCOLM

Can the hon. Gentleman say how long we must wait to get an answer, now two months overdue?

Mr. HOPE

The question is when can the Austrian Government be induced to give an answer.

99. Mr. MALCOLM

asked the Treasurer of the Household whether British invalid civilian prisoners of war under forty-five years of age may now hope to be interned in Switzerland under terms identical with those applicable to German, French, and Belgian civilians?

Mr. HOPE

As my hon. Friend is aware, ah agreement has been in force between His Majesty's Government and the German Government since August, 1915, for the repatriation of British and German civilian prisoners of war who are invalids. That agreement has not worked altogether satisfactorily, but as His Majesty's Government are strongly of opinion that the repatriation of these invalids is preferable to their internment in a neutral country, they are putting forward a proposal, based on the existing agreement, which, it is hoped, will lead to the repatriation of a larger number of invalids. The main points of the new proposal are that a definite schedule of disabilities entitling applicants to repatriation should be adopted, and that an examining medical commission should be appointed for each country, each containing two Swiss doctors.

Mr. J. M. HENDERSON

Can the hon. Gentleman say why it is that the Belgian and French authorities have arranged this long ago, and why we should not be able to do the same thing?

Mr. HOPE

I hope very shortly we are going to do so.

Mr. HENDERSON

Why shortly?

Mr. HOPE

I am afraid I cannot tell you anything further.

100. Mr. MALCOLM

asked whether it has been or will be possible to carry out the agreement for exchange between British and Bulgarian prisoners of war; and what progress has been made in the negotiations for a similar exchange between British and Turkish prisoners?

Mr. HOPE

It has not yet been possible to put into operation the arrangement for the mutual repatriation of incapacitated prisoners of war which has been concluded between this country and the Bulgarian Government. We believe that only very few of our men would benefit by it A similar arrangement has been concluded with the Turkish Government, who suggested that the transfer should take place by way of Sweden. This appears to be impracticable, but it is hoped that an opportunity to effect the exchange may be found.

Mr. R. GWYNNE

Is there any reason because the number of British prisoners in Bulgaria is small that nothing should be done to carry out an exchange?

Mr. HOPE

None whatever.

101. Mr. MALCOLM

asked the Treasurer of the Household whether, under the recent agreement announced by Lord Newton on 24th October, German civilian prisoners over forty-five years of age are to have the option of remaining in this country, and what is the reason for this permission; will he cause the said agreement to be published in full; and when will it begin to take effect?

Mr. HOPE

The arrangement for the mutual repatriation of British and German civilians over forty-five, which is now being negotiated, applies only to those who desire to go. The discretion of His Majesty's Government in dealing with those who do not desire to be repatriated is not prejudiced by the arrangement in question. A White Paper, which contains the correspondence practically up to date, was laid on the Table of the House on 1st November. As there are one or two points which still require adjustment, I cannot answer the last part of the question at present.

Mr. FABER

If German civilian prisoners exercise the option of remaining in this country, will they continue to be interned?

Mr. HOPE

Certainly.

Commander WEDGWOOD

Is it not somewhat dangerous to allow these German interned people to have the option of remaining in this country? Is it not obvious that those who will remain will be the most dangerous?

Mr. HOPE

They have not necessarily the option of remaining in this country. The discretion of His Majesty's Government is not prejudiced, but the present agreement does not bind them to return.

Major HUNT

Are not the ones who do not want to go back to their own country the very ones we ought to send back?

Mr. HOPE

I think that is not so. The class of person we have in mind, who may require exception, are persons who are only nominally German subjects, such as the English wives of Germans settled in this country, and in such cases it is obvious that it would be cruelty to send them to Germany.

Mr. GWYNNE

Is it not a fact that, you are giving seven Germans for one Englishman?