§ 13. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that on a number of occasions German pilots on being captured have stated that they expected to be shot or poisoned; and whether, with a view to inducing pilots on future occasions to surrender more easily, he will have it broadcast in German on the wireless at regular intervals that German prisoners are treated in accordance with the rules of The Hague Convention?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Captain Harold Balfour)The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. I appreciate the point of the hon. Member's suggestion, but I do not consider that any useful purpose would be served by broadcasts of the kind referred to, particularly as it is unlikely that they would be allowed to reach the pilots concerned.
§ Mr. StokesIf I send the hon. and gallant Gentleman particulars given to me by the persons from whom I have obtained this information, which is quite official, will he have it examined? These statements appear to me to be facts.
§ Captain BalfourI will certainly look at anything the hon. Gentleman sends me.