71. Mr. SHIRLEY BENNasked what steps the War Office have taken to secure that the British soldiers who are prisoners in Germany are provided with the warm clothing necessary for the winter season?
§ Mr. TENNANTBy Article 7 of the Annex to The Hague Convention (1907) the Government which holds prisoners of war is responsible that they are treated as regards clothing on the same footing as its own troops. This was ratified by the German Government as well as by our own. It having been reported about the middle of October that some of the troops interned in Germany were much in want of clothing, a sum of £3,000 was placed at the disposal of the American Ambassador at Berlin, he having kindly consented to disburse this for the benefit of our soldiers.
Mr. SHIRLEY BENNMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is satisfied that the troops have got the necessary clothing?
§ Mr. TENNANTI will make a few remarks later on if the hon. Gentleman will be good enough to wait.