HC Deb 15 March 1915 vol 70 cc1758-9
5. Mr. POLLOCK

asked what number of German and Austro-Hungarian men have been repatriated under the agreements made in October, 1914, with Germany and Austria-Hungary, respectively; and what number of men, subjects of His Majesty, have been repatriated under the said agreements from Germany and Austria-Hungary, respectively?

Mr. PRIMROSE

The number of German male subjects repatriated is the following:—

Under 17 … … 262
Over 55 … … 250
Between 17 and 55 … … 283

Those between 17 and 55 consisted of doctors, ministers of religion, Consular officers, and persons suffering from some serious disease, such as pulmonary tuberculosis. Doctors, ministers of religion, and Consular officers are released under the various agreements with the German Government. The diseased men were released in the public interest, many of them coming from camps of internment.

Austro-Hungarians:

Under 18 … … 92
Over 50 … … 154
Between 18 and 50 … … 296

Those between 18 and 50 consisted of doctors, ministers of religion, and persons certified medically unfit for military service, all three classes being covered by the terms of an agreement with the Austro-Hungarian Government. I have no information on the second part of the question, as, in a great number of cases, released British subjects do not notify the Foreign Office of their arrival in this country.

6. Mr. POLLOCK

asked whether the agreements made in October, 1914, with Germany and Austria-Hungary, respectively, for the repatriation of German and Austro-Hungarian men will remain in force throughout the continuance of the War, or whether the agreements can be determined by this country; and what proof of age is required before the advantages of the agreements are allowed to German and Austro-Hungarian men whose ages are near the limit imposed by the agreements?

Mr. PRIMROSE

The agreements could, if found desirable, be terminated by this country at any time; otherwise and provided that they are not terminated by the other side, they will remain in force throughout the continuance of the War. Official proof of age of some sort is always required. Where a birth certificate cannot be produced, evidence can be obtained in an arbeitsbuch, passport, or other official document.