HC Deb 07 June 1917 vol 94 c328
60. Major HUNT

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the accounts of the British and Australian soldiers as to the cruel treatment and starvattion, in some cases resulting in death, and including physical punishment, inflicted on soldiers of the British Empire by the Germans; and whether he will have the evidence collected and verified and widely distributed in the United Kingdom and in our overseas Empire and in the countries of our Allies and neutrals?

Mr. JAMES HOPE (Lord of the Treasury)

A careful record of all cases of ill-treatment of British prisoners of war has been kept with a view to suitable action. What form this action will take is a matter for Cabinet decision.

Major HUNT

Would not the publication of these facts about the cruelty of the Germans be the best way of stopping the agitation of pro-Germans and peace-at-any-price people in this country and abroad?

Mr. SPEAKER

Nobody can answer that question until he tries the effect.