HC Deb 04 July 1916 vol 83 cc1342-3
3. Mr. MALCOLM

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will publish the Reports made by the United States Embassy, in Paris, upon the condition of the prisoner camps in France, to which German prisoners have been sent to work from England?

Sir E. GREY

We hope to publish the Reports in question, and are in communication with the United States Embassy on the subject.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Is it proposed to continue sending prisoners to France in view of the fact that British prisoners are now being sent to Poland by the German Government in retaliation?

Sir E. GREY

I must ask for notice of that question. I think it ought to be addressed to the War Office, who are responsible. Perhaps the hon. Member will put it down.

20. Mr. MALCOLM

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he will consent to publish any official or semi-official Reports that may have reached him from neutral sources on the subject of the treatment of German prisoners of war, military and civilian, in Great Britain?

The UNDER-SECRETARY or STATE for WAR (Mr. Tennant)

The only official reports on the treatment of combatant and civilian prisoners of war in this country emanate from the American Embassy and from the International Committee of the Ked Cross, Geneva. The latter have been published and the advisability of publishing certain of those made by members of the American Embassy is under consideration. The publication of semi-official reports is not thought to be advisable.

21. Mr. MALCOLM

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether British prisoners of war interned in detention camps in Germany are still forbidden to receive parcels of food from home; whether a similar prohibition exists for German prisoners in England; and, if so, will he consent to relax this regulation and ask for reciprocity of treatment for British misdemeanants in Germany?

Mr. TENNANT

It appears by the latest reports from the American Ambassador in Berlin that some latitude is allowed in regard to what a prisoner of war in detention in Germany may receive, but it is evident that bread is not allowed. German prisoners in this country who are similarly situated are not permitted to receive parcels of food, but a suggestion will be put forward to withdraw this restriction on the promise of reciprocity by the German Government in regard to British prisoners.

Sir J. D. REES

Does the right hon. Gentleman say German prisoners in camp are not allowed to receive parcels of food?

Mr. TENNANT

I said those in detention camps were not.