Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further statement to make as to British subjects detained abroad?
§ Mr. ACLANDI am glad to have an opportunity to make a further statement on this subject before the House adjourns. The countries as to which there is still anxiety about the position of British subjects are chiefly Switzerland, Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Belgium. In Switzerland the arrangements as to-special trains which I announced last week have been exactly carried out. Six trains carrying an average of about 700 were sent from Switzerland last week on every day except Monday, and a train containing the remainder of those who at present wish to come back from Switzerland started yesterday. The efforts of His Majesty's Minister at Berne will now be devoted to assisting the return of any British subjects who enter Switzerland from neighbouring countries. He is in possession of funds for this purpose.
With regard to Germany, I am informed that Mr. Gerrard, the United States Ambassador at Berlin, has gladly undertaken the distribution of money to British subjects in distress from the funds which are at his disposal, and that he has arranged such distribution, not only in Berlin, but in the different Consular districts throughout Germany. In com- 375 pliance with the suggestion I made, notices have been inserted in the newspapers in Germany informing British subjects that they can apply to the American Embassy, or the nearest American Consul, for information and assistance. Lists of British subjects with whom the United States authorities are in touch are believed to be on their way to this country, and, as I have already stated, the relatives or friends here will be informed in all cases where we have their addresses as soon as these lists are received.
A considerable forward step has been made with regard to the arrangements for the return of British subjects from Germany. Hitherto a limited number of these persons have been returning from certain places, mainly in the South and West of Germany, but from the greater part of Germany no one has been allowed to leave. The parties of those leaving have been allowed to cross the frontier with the exception of men of military age, about 100 of whom are known to have been there detained. A few men beyond the ordinary age for service in arms have also been detained. From this country German women and children have, I understand, been allowed to leave freely ever since the War began. In order that a proper scheme of exchange of non-combatants should be carried out, it is therefore necessary that women and children, and men not subject to military duty, should be allowed to leave any part of Germany, and not only certain limited districts, and that those not subject to military duty now detained should be allowed to leave, in addition to the women and children.
To this end His Majesty's Government were glad to receive through the American Ambassador last week a statement that the German Government would allow British subjects to leave Germany provided that His Majesty's Government would allow German subjects to leave the United Kingdom. It has been decided to take up this suggestion, except as concerning persons under duty of naval or military service, and persons of military age who will not give an undertaking not to accept such duty on returning, and persons held in custody in this country for sufficient cause. In pursuance of this 376 decision, I was able to write to the American Ambassador last night, making definite proposals for an exchange. I asked His Excellency to be kind enough to convey to the German Government the willingness of His Majesty's Government to permit the return to Germany, subject to reciprocal treatment for British subjects in Germany, of (a) women and children, (b) males under sixteen or over forty-four, (c) males between these ages, provided they are under no present liability for military service, and will, before leaving this country, give an undertaking to take no part, direct or indirect, in assisting the operations of the War. I hope to hear before long that the German Government will permit the repatriation of the same, classes from Germany, and that they will give facilities, as we on our side will do to the best of our ability, for proper arrangements being made by the United States authorities for such repatriation to take place.
With regard to Austria-Hungary, we have been informed that the Austro-Hungarian Government are disposed to give facilities for British non-combatants to proceed to Italy, or Switzerland, and the same definite offer is therefore being conveyed to them through the American Embassy as in the case of Germany. With regard to British subjects in Belgium and Luxemburg, His Majesty's Government are asking the United States Government to add to the obligations which they owe them by requesting their representatives in the districts in which British Consuls are no longer working to do the best they can for their welfare. I hope to have further news about the plans for repatriation when the House meets again, and if there is news before then I will communicate it to the Press. Meanwhile, I must reiterate the fact that I know of no sure means of sending money or letters to British subjects in Germany or Austria-Hungary.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTMay I ask whether the hon. Gentleman will have that answer printed, and placed in the Vote Office; and, in view of the rising of Parliament, can he arrange for copies to be sent to Members who leave their names at the Vote Office?
§ Mr. ACLANDI think I can arrange that.
§ Mr. T. M. HEALYCan the hon. Gen-Gentleman say whether the American Government have a representative in Liége, where British and American citizens are believed to be in the enemy's hands?
§ Mr. ACLANDI am not quite certain. I will find out and inform the hon. Member.
§ Mr. HOGGEWhy is the age fixed at forty-four, seeing that the maximum age for enlistment in this country is thirty-five?
§ Mr. ACLANDI understand that the ages of sixteen and forty-four are the minimum and maximum ages for service in Germany.
§ Mr. PETOWill the hon. Gentleman consider as to the advisability accepting any assurance whether German subjects between those ages will or will not take part in the War?
§ Mr. ACLANDI am very anxious not to put unnecessary difficulties in the way of an exchange. I think that as long as we are sure that persons who are under a definite duty for military or naval service do not return to Germany, we ought to be willing to depend upon the honour of those not under such duty if they will give an assurance that they will not undertake such duty when they return.