§ 34. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether he is aware that English officers, including one holding the Victoria Cross, are now being confined at Crefeld in separate cells, measuring 6 ft. by 9 ft., for periods of solitary confinement extending to five months, as reprisals for alleged similar treatment of German officers in England; whether there is any such treatment of German officers; and whether the Government is taking steps to bring this treatment to the notice of the Dutch authorities?
Mr. HOPECertain English officers were lately confined at Crefeld in separate cells, though I am not aware of the exact size of the latter. Such treatment is not justified by any punishment imposed on Germar. officers in this country. The camp at Crefeld has been broken up, but we have no information at the moment as to whether the officers undergoing punishment have been removed, or, if so, whether their treatment remains the same. His Majesty's Minister at The Hague was on the 9th ultimo informed by telegram of the punishments in question and was asked to ascertain, through the Netherlands Legation at Berlin, the precise reason for the infliction of these severe sentences. The question of punishments imposed on prisoners of war is being discussed at the Conference now sitting at The Hague.