§ 14. Sir RICHARD COOPERasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if any attempt has been made to negotiate with the Turkish Government for the repatriation of British prisoners of war of over two years' standing; and, if not, whether he will initiate negotiations to that end?
§ Mr. JAMES HOPE (Lord of the Treasury)On the general subject of negotiations with the Turkish Government with regard to prisoners, I would remind my hon. Friend of the fact that an agreement was signed between British and Turkish delegates at Berne some months since, but has not yet been ratified by the Turkish Government. The basis of this agreement is repatriation on grounds of health rather than length of captivity; and until this agreement is carried out it would seem premature to start fresh 201 negotiations on another principle, apart from the inherent difficulties of the course suggested in the question.