HC Deb 09 July 1940 vol 362 cc1064-5
8. Colonel Wedgwood

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will take urgent steps to remedy the conditions and bad feeling prevailing in the places where the interned Jews, men and women, are now imprisoned, in view of the effect upon American opinion of this bad example?

Mr. Eden

Any deficiencies which exist at present are due to the difficulties caused by the recent intakes of internees, but every effort is being made to effect improvement at the earliest possible moment. In view of the importance of securing the best conditions possible in the circumstances for internees for whose custody the War Office has responsibility, I have asked my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State to make a full investigation of the matter so far as it affects my Department. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary that he is not aware of any complaints so far as women are concerned.

Colonel Wedgwood

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the lurid accounts in the American Press of the women internees' camps? Are those in his charge or under another Department?

Mr. Eden

The women are under the Home Office.

Colonel Wedgwood

Will the right hon. Gentleman indicate that to the Home Office?

Mr. Graham White

Will the right hon. Gentleman give to the House and the country the assurance that the conditions in these camps in no way fall below the standard of the International Prisoners of War Convention, and, if not, will he be prepared to answer a Question on this day week?

Mr. Eden

I am very anxious that there should be no doubts that we are doing all we can and should in this matter. I have asked my hon. Friend to make a special investigation, and I am confident that I can give the hon. Member that assurance.

Mr. White

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that mortal injury is being done to our good name?

Mr. Eden

I hope that no injury will be done to our good name by rumours. I am trying to ascertain the facts. I can give the House my personal assurance that everything possible will be done to put the situation right.

Miss Rathbone

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is very important that this matter should be debated in the House?

Mr. Eden

That, of course, is not a matter for me, but it seems to me that the most vital matter is to see that it is put right.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Perhaps America would like to take some of these people?

Mr. Silverman

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that if there is anything wrong, it arises as much out of the indiscriminate internment of people who happen to be born in particular countries?