§ 41. Mr. COTTONasked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) if he will state the number of Indian officers and men now held in captivity in Germany; how many have been exchanged or interned in a neutral country; and what are the latest Reports in his possession as to the camps in which they are confined, the nature of the work which they are being compelled to perform, and the character of the treatment which they are receiving?
§ Mr. JAMES HOPE (Lord of the Treasury)I am informed by the India Office that there are 2 Indian officers and 513 rank and file at present prisoners of war in German hands, 2 officers and 13 rank and file have been exchanged, and 9 officers, of whom 8 have since been repatriated, and 60 rank and file, of whom 2 have since died and 16 have been repatriated, have been transferred to a neutral country. As regards the last part of the question, I am informed that the great majority of these prisoners have been transferred to Roumania, the remainder being interned in various camps in Germany. On the whole, their treatment appears to be satisfactory.
§ 42. Mr. COTTONasked the number of Indian officers and men now held in captivity in Turkey; how many have been exchanged or interned in a neutral country; and what are the latest reports as to the camps in which they are confined, the nature of the work which they are being compelled to perform, and the character of the treatment which they are receiving?
§ Mr. HOPEThe number of Indian officers and men prisoners of war in Turkey is 217 and 6,569 respectively, and the number who have been repatriated on grounds of health is 6 and 1,170 respectively. None have been transferred for internment to neutral countries, as there is no agreement in force with the Turkish Government for this purpose. The only recent reports on camps in Turkey are those by the representatives of the Netherlands Minister at Constantinople referred to in my reply of the 17th instant to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Bassetlaw, on seven working camps and hospitals in the neighbourhood of Constantinople. Only a few Indians were interned at these places, the greater number being in the working camps on the Bagdad Railway, in the Taurus, and to the south-east of the Taurus. The latter camps are, unfortunately, not within the districts which the representatives of the Netherlands Legation are entitled to visit. I may add that under the exchange of prisoners with Turkey which is fixed for next month, 700 Indians are entitled to be released.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWould it be competent for any neutral Power to send representatives to the Taurus to visit the camps there and report?
§ Sir E. HUME-WILLIAMSSeeing an exchange has been fixed for next month, will the hon. Gentleman give the date?
§ Sir J. D. REESHave any representations been made as to the supply of warm clothing for the Indians now in the uplands of Asia Minor so that they do not suffer in the coming winter?
§ Mr. HOPEOh, yes; that has not only been ordered but provided, and will, I understand, go out at the first opportunity.
§ Mr. COTTONWill the hon. Gentleman be able to publish the reports of which he spoke in reply to my question?
§ Mr. HOPEThere is always a difficulty about these because they are the property of the neutral Government, and publication might hinder the further efforts of the latter.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKWhen will be the first opportunity of sending this clothing?
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKWhen will that be?