HC Deb 06 May 1941 vol 371 cc717-8W
Sir R. Gower

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state, for the protection of British prisoners of war in Germany, what are the charges made by the Germans against the conditions in camps in Canada where German prisoners are interned; and what steps he is taking to diffuse correct information on the whole subject?

Captain Margesson

Various allegations have been made by the German Government with regard to the conditions in a camp for German officer prisoners of war in Canada. These allegations are entirely without foundation. It is understood that the German Government have now received reports both from the International Red Cross Committee and the Swiss Consul-General in Canada which confirm that conditions in this camp satisfy both the letter and the spirit of the Prisoners of War Convention. A full description of the amenities available at the camp has also been sent to the German Government through the Protecting Power.

Sir. R. Gower

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any record of letters from home having been received at Stalag XXA by British prisoners of war?

Captain Margesson

Letters are known to have reached British other rank prisoners of war at Stalag XXA in considerable quantities, although there have been cases where individuals were reported to be without news from their families. As regards the British officers who were transferred to Stalag XXA, it appears from a report by an International Red Cross Committee visitor that mail had begun to arrive by 1st April.