HC Deb 22 February 1915 vol 70 cc4-6
4. Lord ROBERT CECIL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any agreement with the German Government has been reached for the release on both sides of all doctors who are prisoners of war?

Mr. PRIMROSE

An arrangement has been made with the German Government for the mutual release of civilian doctors, and negotiations are now in progress for the mutual release of medical officers of the military and naval forces. In a Note to the United States Ambassador of 21st December last, His Majesty's Government offered to release the German medical personnel on condition of reciprocity, and we hope that an agreement on this subject will shortly be reached.

5. Lord ROBERT CECIL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he proposes to lay upon the Table any Papers dealing with negotiations as to the release or conditions of internment of prisoners of war?

Mr. PRIMROSE

With respect to soldiers, prisoners of war, no negotiations have taken place for their release, other than for the exchange of those incapacitated for further military service, and of officers of the medical services. The Foreign Office is endeavouring to arrange an exchange of invalid civilians. A White Paper on the conditions of the internment camps in Germany will be published in due course from the information in possession of His Majesty's Government.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

Can the hon. Gentleman see his way at the same time, or earlier, to lay on the Table Papers showing what proposals His Majesty's Government have made with reference to the release of prisoners—doctors and so on—and what reply the German Government have made?

Mr. PRIMROSE

I think I must have notice of that.

6. Lord ROBERT CECIL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken by His Majesty's Government to secure that the conditions of internment of British prisoners shall be inspected by a neutral in the same way that Mr. Jackson has been allowed to inspect the conditions of internment of German and Austrian prisoners in this country?

Mr. PRIMROSE

I would refer the Noble Lord to the reply returned to the hon. Member for Portsmouth on the 4th instant.