§ 35. Mr. A. WILLIAMSasked the Prime Minister whether Bulgarian troops who surrendered to the Allied Army commanded by General Franchet d'Esperey in accordance with the terms of the Armistice of 29th September, 1918, and were retained as hostages for Bulgaria's good faith and also for the purpose of repairing the railways in Macedonia, were handed over by the Allies to Greece and Serbia; whether, at the present moment, although the railways have been repaired and the Treaty of Peace has been signed seven months ago by all the belligerents concerned, Greece still retains in captivity some 15,000 Bulgarian soldiers and Serbia 12,000; and whether he can give any information as to the conditions and treatment to which these prisoners are subjected and as to the reasons why they are not released?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThere is, I am informed, no record in the War Office as to whether these prisoners were handed over by General Franchet d'Esperey to the Greeks and Serbians. The matter was one for arrangement between the supreme command of the Allied Armies of the Orient and the Bulgarian Government. With regard to the last two parts of the hon. Member's question, I understand that the Council of the League of Nations have decided to refer this matter to Dr. Nansen for 1733 unofficial inquiry and for such action as he may find it possible to take.