§ 3. Sir E. CORNWALLasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many of the prisoners who fell into Turkish hands at Kut-el-Amara have been traced; and whether, in view of the anxiety of relatives, he will publish the names of such officers and men directly they are known?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)My right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has asked me to answer this question. I will preface my answer by stating, in reply to the last part of the question, that the names of prisoners of war, when received; are at once communicated to the next-of-kin, who are not left to discover the names in the columns of the Press. After such communication has been made, the names are published. The numbers traced are as follows:
No native N.C.O.'s and men have been reported by name.
British Army Officers … 80 British N.C.O.'s. and Men … 178 Indian Army Officers … 139
§ 96. Major ASTORasked the Secretary of State for War whether any and, if so, what steps have been taken to provide occupation and recreation for the British prisoners of war who have been and are being sent from Germany to Switzerland?
§ Mr. FORSTERI understand the Minister at Berne is doing all he can in this direction, and we shall give him whatever help he may require.