HC Deb 20 April 1915 vol 71 cc152-4
4. Sir FREDERICK BANBURY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he has taken to ensure that the treatment of English prisoners of war in Germany shall be identical with the treatment of German prisoners of war in this country?

Sir E. GREY

I would refer the hon. Member to White Paper, Miscellaneous, No. 7 (1915), which shows the steps taken to improve the conditions obtaining in the camps in Germany where British prisoners of war are interned.

Sir F. BANBURY

In view of the importance of the matter, will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Prime Minister to give a day for the discussion of the White Paper?

Sir E. GREY

That is a question which ought to be addressed to the Prime Minister when he is in his place.

Sir F. BANBURY

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to add the weight of his authority to the request that I am making; then probably the Prime Minister will accede to it?

Sir E. GREY

Of course, I have no reason whatever, on the merits of the question, to object to a discussion in the House, and I should not think of depreciating a discussion of this particular Paper if the House of Commons particularly wished it, but the question whether the business of the House can afford time to give a day is one entirely for the Prime Minister, and should be reserved until his return.

30. Mr. MACMASTER

asked at what date the information contained in Major Vandeleur's letter or report in regard to his own treatment and that of other British prisoners in Germany was communicated to the British Government?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Tennant)

The date of Major Vandeleur's report is the 24th December, 1914.

Mr. MACMASTER

Why was not this important document as to the scandalous treatment of British prisoners in Germany brought to light before the expiry of a period of three and a half months?

Mr. TENNANT

The facts as disclosed in the report of Major Vandeleur were, of course, the subject of the most earnest and careful consideration on the part of His Majesty's Government, and through the American Ambassador the Foreign Office put itself at once in touch with the only possible method of trying to secure redress. It is only because we feel now that it is desirable that the information has been disclosed to the public.

Colonel LOCKWOOD

Has no answer been received?

Mr. TENNANT

Many answers have been received.

57. Lord CHARLES BERESFORD

asked the Prime Minister whether any reply has yet been received by the United States Government from the German Government giving permission for a commission of United States officers to inspect the treatment of prisoners of war in Germany; and, if so, whether the commission of United States officers have commenced their inquiries, and how soon their Report may be expected?

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

I would refer the Noble Lord to the correspondence published in the White Paper, Miscellaneous No. 7, which has recently been laid upon the Table of the House, from which it will be seen that the German Government have accepted in a slightly modified form the scheme for the inspection by the United States officials of camps in Germany in which British prisoners of war and civilians are interned. His Majesty's Government understand that the scheme has been put into operation. A full Report on the camps will be published when received from the United States Embassy.

69. Mr. THOMAS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of English prisoners of war interned in Germany are being practically starved and in many cases housed under most insanitary conditions; whether he is aware in some cases these men, being privates, have had to ask their wives to send them bread, butter, cheese, sugar, clothing, and other necessities of life, which in many cases is being sent by the wives out of the allowances they receive; and, having regard to the fact that, apart from the way in which our men are being treated, the food sent by the wives is impoverishing their own homes, and in many cases they are sending to their husbands what they themselves are in need of, whether he will arrange for some allowance to be made to the wives or, alternatively, for food to to be sent to our prisoners of war in Germany?

Mr. TENNANT

Our information is that the ration issued is scanty, but the housing conditions are believed to have been improved recently. It is undoubtedly the case that frequent requests for food are sent by the prisoners not only to their wives, but also to the various committees, regimental and others, which are devoting themselves to the work of sending comforts and relief to the prisoners. I may add that the American Government, through its Ambassador in Berlin, have kindly distributed clothing and relief to the prisoners, and funds have been placed at their disposal for this purpose.

Mr. KELLAWAY

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information bearing out the statement of the German Government that the food rations given to our soldiers who are prisoners are equal to the rations given to the civilian population?

Mr. TENNANT

No. I have no information. I will make it my business to inquire if the hon. Gentleman desires.