§ 11. Mr. MALLALIEUasked the Undersecretary of State for War if he is aware of the manner in which the interned German officers at Colsterdale Camp, Masham, Yorkshire, are living; are they allowed out in batches to wander at will with only one guard in front and one behind without weapons; are they allowed to go to the officers' quarters to have luncheon and play tennis with them; if he is aware that when they hear news, such as the recent air raid in London, their band plays and they drink toasts; is he aware of the dissatisfaction which is felt by our soldiers when they compare their own conditions with those of their prisoners; and, while treating the prisoners well, will he see that they are only treated as such?
§ Mr. JAMES HOPE (Lord of the Treasury)Officer prisoners of war are allowed outside places of internment for the purpose of taking exercise. They give a temporary parole on each occasion they leave camp, and have to conform to Regulations framed on the subject. They are accompanied by one officer and an orderly, both of whom are armed but not with rifles.
I am informed there is no foundation whatever for the suggestions as to luncheon and lawn tennis with British officers, the playing of bands or the drinking of toasts.