§ 19. Sir E. CORNWALLasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any particulars as to the number of civilians deported by the Germans from Belgium; whether the Governments of neutral nations have presented any Notes to Germany on the subject; and what communications, if any, have passed between the British Government and other Governments with regard to the matter?
§ Lord R. CECILThis is undoubtedly a very grave matter. No greater outrage on the customs of civilised warfare has been committed even by the German Government. Our information as to the details is necessarily scanty, but I may refer my hon. Friend and the House to the statement on the subject issued by M. Beyens, the Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, with which His Majesty's Government are in complete agreement. At present I can only add that His Majesty's Government are ready to give all the support in their power to any action taken or representations made by the Belgian Government.
§ Sir E. CORNWALLHas the right hon. Gentleman any information with regard to the announcement in to-day's Press that the United States has taken action in this matter?
§ Lord R. CECILI think I ought to have notice of that question.