HC Deb 16 November 1914 vol 68 cc175-6
1. Mr. NEWMAN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, if the German Government have fully reciprocated with this country in furnishing lists of officers, non-commissioned officers, and men who may be prisoners of war and of civilians who have been interned or otherwise prevented from leaving Germany; and, if not, whether information with regard to German prisoners of war and civilians interned or otherwise detained is still furnished to the enemy?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Acland)

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Lists of prisoners of war and civilians interned or detained continue to be exchanged.

2. Mr. HAY MORGAN

asked whether any steps have been taken to secure the release of medical men who are British subjects detained in Germany; and, if so, whether any indication can be given as to the date when they will be allowed to return home?

Mr. ACLAND

His Majesty's Government were informed on the 3rd October that the German Government might allow doctors and ministers of religion to return from Germany, and on 8th October His Majesty's Government made a definite offer of reciprocal treatment with regard to these and three other classes of person. On 22nd October His Majesty's Government were informed that the German Government had accepted the offer, and would permit the departure of medical men and ministers of religion, and since then medical men have been returning, though a doctor was detained at Bad Nauheim until last week. The answer refers to civilians only.

Mr. D. MASON

What are the three other classes?

Mr. ACLAND

Invalids, persons who, owing to weakness or physical infirmity, were not likely to make efficient soldiers, and persons who had not had military training. These classes were refused.