HC Deb 21 January 1918 vol 101 cc675-7
62. Mr. HUME-WILLIAMS

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) if he can state how many British prisoners of war have now reached Holland from Germany under The Hague agreement; what is the system pursued in choosing those who are to be sent; for how long the most recent batch had been prisoners; and how soon it is hoped that all officers and non-commissioned officers who have been prisoners for eighteen months and over will have reached Holland?

Mr. JAMES HOPE (Lord of the Treasury)

I am informed by the military authorities that up to the present 77 officers and 434 non-commissioned officers have reached Holland from Germany under The Hague agreement. The method of selection for transfer of these classes of prisoners is based upon priority of capture, irrespective of rank. The most recent of these transferred had been in captivity for over three years. In regard to the concluding part of the question, the military authorities are informed that there will be one more dispatch of prisoners in the present month, and five in February. If the transfers are continued on this scale, it is hoped that all of our officer and non-commissioned officer prisoners who have now been in captivity for eighteen months (and who are not eligible for repatriation and internment in Switzerland) will reach Holland in the course of the next few months. I would, however, remind my hon. and learned Friend that the realisation of this hope is dependent on the working of the agreement by the German authorities.

Mr. HUME-WILLIAMS

What is the number of British prisoners of war who will come under the agreement?

Mr. HOPE

I am afraid I have not that in my mind. I must ask for notice.

General Sir I. PHILIPPS

Can a list be obtained of the men who arc being sent to Switzerland and Holland and to this country, because, so far, we have not been able to get it?

Mr. HOPE

I will consult the War Office about it?

Sir C. HENRY

Are there any who have been interned at Ruhleben?

Mr. HOPE

It includes only prisoners of war, and those interned at Ruhleben, far, who have not gone to Holland. Some have come straight home, but these figures refer only to combatants.

Mr. BUTCHER

Is the selection of prisoners sent from Holland made by the German authorities or have we any voice in the matter at all?

Mr. HOPE

The lists are in order of priority of capture. These lists, I understand, are checked in Holland by representatives on both sides.