HC Deb 02 February 1943 vol 386 cc742-3
30. Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a reply has yet been sent to the communication of the German Government regarding the shackling of prisoners of war?

Sir J. Grigg

I am sorry, but there is as yet nothing to add on this subject to what my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House said on Thursday last.

Sir A. Knox

Will my right hon. Friend answer the Question on the Paper? Has any reply been sent to the German Government?

Sir J. Grigg

I have answered the Question by saying that I have nothing to add to what the Leader of the House said on Thursday last.

Mr. Shinwell

In view of the large number of German prisoners captured in Russia, could not we ask the Soviet Government to use their good offices with the German Government to relieve our prisoners?

Mr. Stokes

Can the Leader of the House tell us when he will be able to make a statement on the subject?

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Eden)

On Thursday last I said what the position was.

Mr. Stokes

Did not the right hon. Gentleman say he would make a statement this week?

Mr. Eden

I made no promise. I told the House what the difficulty was. I cannot go beyond that.

Sir Percy Harris

Have the Government reason to believe that some of the prisoners are in shackles?

Sir A. Knox

Surely, it is possible to decide this question without the Prime Minister.

Mr. Eden

It is not a question of deciding it without the Prime Minister. I must ask my hon. and gallant Friend to believe that we are just as anxious as he can be to obtain satisfaction and alleviation in this matter. There is no difference between us on that. We are doing what I believe to be best. I cannot say more until I make my statement.