HC Deb 10 August 1916 vol 85 cc1195-6
1. Mr. MALCOLM

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to Ambassador Gerard's Report of 3rd July, on his visit to the prisoner camp at Giessen, in which he states that letters are delivered after the usual delay of six weeks; whether this regulation obtains in German prisoner camps in Great Britain; and, if not, will he advise the same delay in the delivery of letters from Germany as is considered proper for prisoner camps in that country?

The UNDER-SECRETARY Of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Lord Robert Cecil)

We have no reason to suppose that this delay of six weeks is habitual; but if we find that this is the case, we shall have to consider the advisability of treating German correspondence in a similar way.

Mr. MALCOLM

Is the Noble Lord aware that Ambassador Gerard says this is the usual delay? Those are the words in his dispatch.

Lord R. CECIL

I will look into that, but I think, as a matter of fact, it is not usual.

Mr. G. FABER

Can the same treatment be accorded here as in Germany in regard to delay, if any?

Lord R. CECIL

Speaking from recollection, I do not think there is any great delay.

Mr. CHANCELLOR

Is it desirable to make ourselves as contemptible as Germany?