16. Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if an exchange of civilian prisoners was arranged by the American Ambassador; and if the said exchange has been confirmed or otherwise by him?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Lord Robert Cecil)The only exchange of civilian prisoners hitherto arranged through the United States Ambassadors in London and Berlin was one for the exchange of certain diplomatic and Consular officers. This was done on the initiative of His Majesty's Government and with the cognisance and sanction of the various Departments of His Majesty's Government who were concerned. In February last His Majesty's Government came to an arrangement with the German Government for the mutual release of civilian invalids without limit of age, and though they are willing and anxious to give effect to this agreement the German Government have hitherto declined to do so.