§ 8. Sir E. CORNWALLasked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether the International Red Cross Committee has, in conjunction with neutral countries, taken any steps to bring pressure to bear on Germany to induce her to treat her prisoners of war in a humane manner and in accordance with The Hague Convention; and whether any action on these international lines has been taken in previous wars?
§ Lord R. CECIL.I am not aware that any such joint action as that indicated in the first part of the question has been taken. The International Red Cross Committee has recently addressed a communication to the belligerent and neutral nations pleading the cause of prisoners of war generally, and deprecating the policy of reprisals. It has not been possible in the time available to make such an exhaustive search as would enable me to give a definite answer to the latter part of the question, but the search which has been made does not indicate that the action referred to has been taken in previous wars. I will have further search made if the hon. Member so desires, but I would deprecate additional work being thrown upon officials at this time unless it is likely to lead to some practical result.