§ Mr. CROOKS (by Private Notice)asked the hon. Member for Central Sheffield whether he has any statement to make with regard to British prisoners in Germany; whether food and adequate comforts are being provided, and can he state what steps the Government propose to take in the matter?
Mr. HOPEI understand that a similar question will be addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who will reply.
§ Colonel YATE (by Private Notice)asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action is being taken by the Government to put an end to the suffering being endured by our released prisoners in Germany?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe following message has been sent by wireless to the German Government and to Sir Douglas Haig for communication to German Headquarters:
Information reaches His Majesty's Government of shocking lack of organisation in release of British prisoners in German territory, and of their return 3434 march on foot, miserably clothed, without food or transport, and with no escort or guides, to the Allied lines, with the result of lamentable suffering and heavy mortality. His Majesty's Government cannot tolerate continuation of this cruel treatment and must insist on adequate arrangements being made, in all above respects, by German authorities with whom responsibility lies. Otherwise we shall be compelled to take this into account in any question of re-victualling Germany or satisfying requirements of German population. His Majesty's Government are ready to lend all available assistance by forwarding food, clothing, and transport to prisoners' camps, where they are not otherwise forthcoming, and are addressing Allied Commanders in this sense.In addition, Sir Douglas Haig has been instructed to take every possible step to forward with the utmost rapidity, food, clothing, and means of conveyance for the use of our prisoners in Germany. Our Allies are being asked to co-operate in this action.