HC Deb 20 February 1941 vol 369 c306W
Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any information to show that the greatcoats and battle-dress captured by the enemy in France have been used for clothing our prisoners of war in Germany; and whether it is in accordance with the usages and customs of war that such clothing should be used for this purpose?

Captain Margesson

Issues of battle-dress and greatcoats to British prisoners of war in Germany appear to have been made at dates before any consignment from this country could have reached the camps. This would justify the assumption that these issues were made by the German authorities from stocks captured in France. Article 12 of the Geneva Convention provides that clothing, underwear and footwear shall be supplied to prisoners of war by the detaining Power. The Convention does not specify the sources from which the detaining Power may obtain these supplies.

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