HC Deb 09 June 1915 vol 72 cc238-9
9. Mr. SAMUEL ROBERTS

asked whether all negotiations for the exchange of invalid civil prisoners of war with the enemy are at an end; and what steps, if any, are now being taken to this end?

Lord ROBERT CECIL

I would refer the hon. Member to the correspondence on this subject with His Majesty's Envoy to the Vatican which was published in the Press on 20th May. In view of the attitude of the German Government in the matter, His Majesty's Government have reluctantly come to the conclusion that it would be useless under existing circumstances again to approach the German Government. At the same time, His Majesty's Government have not changed their opinion that such an exchange is demanded for humanitarian reasons, and will be ready to reopen negotiations if there is any prospect of a useful result being secured.

Mr. S. ROBERTS

Has the Noble Lord any information as to the conditions under which these prisoners are confined? I am told it is simply deplorable.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

I should not like to say that it was as bad as the word "deplorable" would indicate, but undoubtedly the condition of some of the invalid civil prisoners, and some of the aged civilian prisoners, is one which every Member of this House must deeply regret. The Government will do their utmost to secure any alleviation that is possible.

Mr. KING

Is the Noble Lord aware that the German Government refuses to reopen this question apart from the question of the treatment of the officers taken from the German submarines, and that, therefore, the only method of reopening this question will be by considering again our policy in regard to these?

Lord ROBERT CECIL

The hon. Member is not quite accurate. There was an absolutely complete agreement arrived at between this Government and the German Government. It is quite true that after that agreement had been arrived at the German Government suddenly withdrew from it, alleging as a pretext the treatment of their submarine officers.

Mr. KING

Does it not still hold good, that our only method, at the present time, of reopening this question is by reconsidering the question of the treatment of the submarine officers?

Lord ROBERT CECIL

It would be, I think, a very unfortunate precedent for this House, or for the Government, to allow themselves to be blackmailed.

Mr. KING

Is it not also very unfortunate that we can offer no hope of our prisoners in Germany being helped?