§ 32. Sir WATSON CHEYNEasked the Secretary of State for War if he will state what progress is being made as regards acknowledging the indebtedness of this country to those inhabitants of Belgium and France who helped our prisoners of war and especially to those who assisted them to escape, often at great risk to themselves; what form the proposed acknowledgment is to take; and whether, even though the list may not yet be complete, a beginning will be made in the announcement of awards?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONIt is assumed that the bulk of the recommendations for services rendered by French and Belgian 696 subjects to British prisoners of war have now been received, but new ones are still put forward from time to time.
It is proposed to recommend any individual whose services have been exceptional for a decoration. Others would receive a gold or silver medallion, and others, again, a letter of thanks.
The list of names received is at present being considered, but it is not thought desirable to announce any awards until this is completed.