§ 63. Mr. MALCOLMasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury, before it sanctions the application of the Local Government Board for increased grants by boards of guardians for the nourishment of the children of interned aliens, will give due consideration to the increasingly bad conditions under which British civilians are now forced to live at Ruhleben; and will he give preferential treatment to the children of soldiers and sailors serving in His Majesty's Forces over those of His Majesty's enemies?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe proposals of the Local Government Board have already been approved. In its treatment of prisoners and other enemy aliens in this country His Majesty's Government is guided by the dictates of humanity and the principles of The Hague Convention. The rates paid in respect of the children of soldiers and sailors are higher than those paid on account of the children of interned aliens.
§ Mr. ASHLEYBefore he sanctions an increase, will the right hon. Gentleman 2291 ascertain what grants are being given to the children of interned English prisoners in Ruhleben?
§ Mr. McKENNAI do not think the two cases can be weighed one against the other. No matter what other Governments may do, this Government will continue to be actuated by the principles of humanity.
§ Mr. MALCOLMHow does the right hon. Gentleman expect to get better treatment for our prisoners at Ruhleben if he gives everything with both hands to the children of interned Germans here?
§ Mr. McKENNAI do not think my hon. Friend has stated the case quite fairly. We believe ourselves to be bound by the rules of The Hague Convention. We have acted honestly and fearlessly in accordance with those rules, and I hope the House will support the Government in so doing.
§ Mr. G. D. FABERIs it not the fact that the French have secured much better treatment for their prisoners by adopting the rule of like for like?
§ Mr. McKENNAIf the hon. Member will give me any information on the subject I shall be very glad to receive it.
§ Mr. R McNEILLDoes the action of the Government in this respect justify the statement of the American Ambassador, with regard to the starving of British prisoners, that they have only their own Government to thank?
§ Mr. McKENNANo.