§ l. Lieut-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there were still about 200,000 Austrian prisoners in Siberia; if their camps had been visited by British representatives; whether Admiral Koltchak was taking any steps to repatriate these men; and whether every facility would be given him to do this by the Allies?
§ Sir HAMAR GREENWOOD (Additional Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs)The answer to the first part of the question is that there are about 140,000 Austrian prisoners in Siberia at the present time. As regards the second part of the question, His Majesty's Government have no knowledge of the camps having been visited by British representatives. The answer to the third and fourth parts of the question is in the negative, but the Supreme Economic Council are dealing with the matter, and steps are being taken to repatriate enemy prisoners of war in Siberia, as soon as the Allied forces have been evacuated.
§ Lieut-Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask whether British representatives have been instructed to visit these camps, and whether the hon. and gallant Gentleman is aware of the very grave anxiety among the relatives of these prisoners as to the great death-rate reported in these camps?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODA detailed question like that must be put down.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWould it not be possible to do something to stop these people dying at the rate at which they are dying now? Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman seen the official account of 1594 thousands of people dying of starvation in these camps, and the suggestion that they should be removed to Vladivostok?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe last part of my answer covered the ground so far as the Supreme Council are connected with the matter.