HC Deb 06 June 1918 vol 106 cc1739-40
42. Mr. CAREW

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether any reliable information has yet been obtained as to the condition of our officers and men who are prisoners in Turkey; and whether any means of communication have been found with them?

Mr. JAMES HOPE (Lord of the Treasury)

Although prisoners' camps in Turkey have not yet been visited under the terms of the Berne Agreement, we have a great deal of trustworthy information regarding them, derived largely from letters addressed by prisoners to the Netherland Legation in Constantinople. It would seem, in fact, as though communication between the prisoners and the Legation were now being facilitated by the Turkish authorities, in pursuance of the agreement. One of the gentlemen appointed to Constantinople by the Netherland Government for the purpose of camp inspection left The Hague on 22nd May. Another is to follow very shortly, and it may be hoped that the first inspection will take place very soon.

43. Mr. JOWETT

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) concerning the case of Private Joseph Loughlin, No. 9,921, Royal Munster Fusiliers, prisoner of war No. 7,126, No.10 Baraque, Giessen, Germany, who has been in captivity since the battle of Mons, and who is now broken in health, whether, having regard to the fact that the mother of this soldier has lost one son, killed in the War, and has five daughters at home under seventeen years of age, and having further regard to the fact that officers and non-commissioned officers captured at the same time have long since been ex changed, he will take steps to expedite the exchange of this prisoner as early as possible?

Mr. HOPE

As I have already frequently stated, the German Government refused their consent to the transfer to a neutral country of able-bodied prisoners of the rank and file who have been in captivity for eighteen months. If the hon. Member will supply me with particulars of the present ill-health of the prisoner referred to, I will ascertain whether his case can be recommended to the Medical Commissions for transfer to Switzerland. It is hoped, however, that the pending deliberations of the British and German delegates at The Hague will result in an agreement under which Private Loughlin will become eligible for transfer to a neutral country or repatriation.