HC Deb 18 April 1918 vol 105 cc534-5
1. Mr. PETO

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the special attention of neutral Governments has been called to the reports received of the ill-treatment of British prisoners of war in mines and in many of the working camps, also of officers and men throughout the 10th Army Corps district, and of prisoners behind the line on the Eastern and Western Fronts, a Report of which has been issued in the form of a White Paper; whether any general international representation of neutral Governments to the German Government on this subject has been asked for or arranged; and, if not, whether steps will be taken to invite such action on the part of neutral Governments?

Mr. JAMES HOPE (Lord of the Treasury)

It is not thought that the particular steps suggested in the question would prove effective for the desired purpose; but the matter is before the Ministry of Information, who will doubtless take every step in their power to enlighten public opinion throughout the civilised world as to the brutalities now revealed.

Perhaps I may be allowed to say with reference, to another matter connected with prisoners raised yesterday that we have now heard that the camp at Changri has been broken up and the prisoners have been transferred to two other camps.

Mr. PEMBERTON BILLING

Are the Government taking any really definite steps to endeavour to ameliorate these conditions?

Mr. HOPE

Yes, we have taken steps of different kinds, not always successfully.

Mr. PETO

Can any steps be taken, not so much to enlighten public opinion in neutral countries throughout the world, but to bring the pressure of public opinion in neutral countries throughout the world to bear upon the Governments of enemy countries?

Mr. HOPE

It must be a matter of every man's judgment how far diplomatic representations to countries that remain neutral can have any very great effect.

Mr. BILLING

Will the Government approach the Governments of neutral countries to get from them an expression of definite opinion in the matter?

Mr. HOPE

I have just said that it is not thought that such an expression of opinion would serve any useful purpose.

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