HC Deb 23 November 1916 vol 87 cc1547-8
2. Commander BELLAIRS

asked whether it has hitherto been represented that if we refused to allow the supplies of food for the relief of Belgian workmen through the Neutral Commission the Germans would deport the workmen; and whether the Allies are reconsidering their policy of allowing these supplies to territory in the possession of the enemy, in view of the deportations now going on?

Lord R. CECIL

If by the first part of the question the hon. and gallant Member means that this was the ground upon which His Majesty's Government have assisted the relief work, the answer is in the negative. His Majesty's Government have done so in response to the wishes of their Allies, including the Belgian Government, and in the interests of the whole population. As regards the last part of the question, there is no doubt that the present action of the Germans is a direct and conscious blow at the agreements upon which the relief work rests, and it is being considered in that light by the Allies, and I trust also by the neutral Governments, whose subjects and representatives have been chiefly responsible for the conduct of the work.

3. Commander BELLAIRS

asked what are the other relief agencies in Belgium to which Lord Grey referred in a communication dated 14th October, 1916; and whether any relief food is available for civilian Germans in Belgium?

Lord R. CECIL

I do not know to what communication the hon. Member refers. The only relief agency recognised by His Majesty's Government is the Commission for Relief in Belgium. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Commander BELLAIRS

Then are we to understand that where the Neutral Commission refers to food being available for the eitire civil population—it does so in several places—it means the Belgian population?

Lord R. CECIL

Yes. Sir.