§ 21. Mr. BUTCHERasked the Under-Secretary for War by whose authority funerals with processions, flowers, and military honours are from time to time accorded to German prisoners of war who die in internment camps in this country; and whether, in view of the frequent brutal treatment of our prisoners of war in Germany and of the complete disregard by the Germans of the provisions of The Hague Conventions, he will give directions that in future German prisoners of war who die in internment camps in this country shall not be accorded military funerals?
§ Mr. TENNANTArticle 19 of the Annex to The Hague Convention says that the same rules shall be followed as to the burials of prisoners of war as for soldiers of the national army, and that due regard shall be paid to their grade and rank. The custom in this country is based on the Article of the Convention quoted. The general custom as regards the burial of prisoners of war in Germany is not known, but the War Office is aware of cases in which military honours have been accorded.
§ Mr. BUTCHERAre not military funerals usually given as a mark of honour to those who deserve honour?
§ Mr. TENNANTNot necessarily.
Mr. CHANCELLORIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is no desire in this country that we should enter into a competition in meanness?
§ 23. Mr. G. FABERasked the Under-Secretary for War whether German prisoners of war at Donington Hall are to be allowed to take walks outside the wired enclosures there and, if so, under what conditions; and whether, in view of the treatment to which British prisoners in Germany have been and are being subjected, the luxuries accorded to German prisoners at Donington Hall and elsewhere in this country will be curtailed rather than extended?
§ Mr. TENNANTIn agreement with the German Government officer prisoners of war are permitted to give a temporary parole for the purpose of taking occasional exercise outside the places of internment. Certain detailed instructions have been issued, of which one is that they are to be escorted by an officer of the camp staff. It may be added that this concession, which is much appreciated by the officers now interned in Germany, was in operation at several camps in that country some time before it was adopted here.
§ Mr. TENNANTI do not admit that there are luxuries at Donington Hall. I have already informed the House what is afforded the prisoners there.
§ Mr. FABERSo far as the right hon. Gentleman's official knowledge goes, do British prisoners anywhere in Germany receive anything like the generous treatment of the German prisoners at Donington Hall?
§ Sir A. MARKHAMIs it not decided to close Donington Hall?
§ Mr. TENNANTI do not know to what the hon. Member (Mr. Faber) is alluding. The scale of rations is not excessive and is not inadequate. It makes a just middle between what would be either excessive or inadequate. It is the proper ration. If that is considered wrong, I really do not know what the hon. Member desires.
§ Mr. FABERIt may be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to answer the question. May I put it again? So far as his official knowledge goes, do British prisoners anywhere in Germany receive anything like as good treatment as the German prisoners at Donington Hall?
§ Mr. TENNANTI think probably the scale of treatment here is a good deal better. I regret that, but I do not know what the redress is.
§ Mr. FLAVINAre German prisoners interned in Donington Hall allowed the privilege of smoking while Irish prisoners in Wandsworth Prison are denied the right of smoking?
§ Mr. TENNANTI understand the Home Secretary answered a question about that yesterday.
§ Mr. FLAVINWill the same privilege be given to the Irish prisoners in Wandsworth Gaol as is extended to German prisoners in Donington Hall? Will the Home Secretary be kind enough to answer?
Mr. H. SAMUELI answered that question yesterday. The fact is that the Irish prisoners are allowed to smoke generally in all the prisons, but not in Wandsworth because of the large number of other prisoners there. I am inquiring to see whether they cannot be allowed to smoke in some secluded place.