§ 22. Mr. STEWARTasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Richard Starcke, a German prisoner of war, has been appointed to a Government post in Togoland; whether he is also permitted to travel about and do work of a private character; whether even British residents in Togoland have to obtain permits to travel in that Colony; and whether it is necessary to take Germans of any sort into Government employment in either West Africa or elsewhere?
§ Mr. HEWINSRichard Starcke is a German who was taken prisoner at Lome, in August, 1914. He is employed by the Public Works Department at a small salary, which he is allowed to supplement by private work under the supervision of the Controller of Enemy Property. This work consists almost entirely in repairing enemy property buildings under the Controller's charge. He is not allowed to leave Lome without a permit from the police, which only allows him to travel to a specified destination for a definite 2090 period. I am not aware whether British residents also require a permit. The Officer Commanding the British Forces in Togoland states that Mr. Starcke's knowledge of local affairs makes him extremely valuable to the Occupation Government, and in the circumstances I am not prepared to direct that his services should be dispensed with.
§ Mr. STEWARTWill the hon. Gentleman, in considering future appointments, give due consideration to the grave objection there is both at home and abroad to the employment of Germans in the British Government service?
§ Mr. HEWINSI agree with the general sentiments of my hon. Friend, but this is a case in which I have given him the view of the officer commanding the British forces, and I see no reason for not acting in accordance with it.