HC Deb 08 July 1919 vol 117 cc1593-4
30. Commander Viscount CURZON

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any decision has now been arrived at as to whether British sailors and soldiers buried in Germany may be brought home at the wish of the relatives if and when transport facilities are available?

Mr. CHURCHILL

In Article 225 of the Treaty of Peace recently signed with the German Government, that Government agrees to respect and maintain the graves of our soldiers and sailors who died as prisoners of war and were buried in Germany, and also in order to meet the wishes of those who do not wish that the bodies of their relatives should rest in German soil it has further been agreed that in such cases every reasonable facility shall be afforded for the removal of the bodies to their own country. But, until the ratification of the Treaty, no detailed arrangements can be made, and these must in any case take some time to complete.

Viscount CURZON

I suppose that will also apply to the men on the Rhine?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Yes, Sir; German soil.