HC Deb 22 October 1941 vol 374 cc1758-9
7. Mr. Martin

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the disquieting reports of conditions in French internment camps and prisons, he will cause the Government at Vichy to be informed that, in the event of a British victory, its members will be held personally responsible for the lives of British internees and of French nationals imprisoned in consequence of their part in the Anglo-French Alliance?

Mr. Eden

His Majesty's Government are in frequent communication with the Vichy Government through the good offices of the United States Government, who are the Protecting Power, in regard to the welfare of British service personnel and other British subjects interned in unoccupied France and French African territories; and they are taking, in co-operation with the United States Government, whatever steps are most likely to be effective to ensure the proper treatment of these men. Experience has shown that representations on behalf of prisoners or internees of other than British nationality may well only worsen the lot of the persons concerned.

Mr. Lipson

Will the steps taken include inspection of those camps?

Mr. Eden

That is exactly what I am asking.