§ 17. Major-General Sir Alfred Knoxasked the Secretary of State for War whether there is any evidence as to the use by the enemy of British prisoners of war to clear up debris after raids by the Royal Air Force on military objectives in occupied countries?
§ Sir E. GriggMy attention has been drawn to a photograph which appeared in a newspaper purporting to depict British prisoners of war clearing up debris caused by bombardments of Calais by the Royal Air Force. I understand that the employment of prisoners of war on such work would be contrary to the provisions of the Geneva Convention of 1929, and would, if it is confirmed, necessitate a strong protest to the German Government. I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on the subject.
§ Sir A. KnoxIs it not possible to employ captured German airmen for filling in craters on farms in the country as a reprisal?
§ Sir E. GriggI am not prepared to accept the argument that because the enemy breaks Conventions we should also break them.
§ 18. Sir A. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for War what meals are provided by the German Government for British prisoners of war in Germany; and how the quality and quantity compare with the meals provided in Britain for German prisoners of war?
§ Sir E. GriggReports received from International Red Cross delegates who visited prisoner-of-war camps in Germany in August indicate that British prisoners of war were then being rationed, in accordance with the terms of the Geneva Convention of 1929, on the same scale as German depot troops. The United States authorities have been asked to verify this, as it appears from other reports that some British prisoners of war are being rationed on the German civilian scale. The scale for German depot troops is lower than that for British troops at home, on which German prisoners of war are fed, and the German civilian scale is lower still.
§ Sir A. KnoxIs there not any way of bringing home to the German authorities 584 that our people must be adequately fed? There is definite information that the food is not sufficient, and conditions will be worse when the winter comes on?
§ Sir E. GriggWe can only act through the protecting Powers, which we are endeavouring to do.
§ 33. Mr. Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that all prisoners of war in Germany are being treated in accordance with the international convention, and, especially, that no discrimination is exercised against prisoners from particular regiments and divisions?
§ Sir E. GriggThere are certain matters, for instance, feeding, in which I am not satisfied that British prisoners of war are being treated strictly in accordance with the terms of the Geneva Convention, and the necessary representations have been made. I have no information pointing to discrimination against prisoners from particular regiments and divisions, and I think it unlikely that such discrimination exists, as the majority of the prisoners are in two camps, one for officers and one for other ranks.
§ Mr. WoodburnHas the hon. and gallant Gentleman's attention been called to the report published broadcast in the Press that the 51st Highland Division was being discriminated against by the Germans, that parcels were not being received by them and that they were being badly fed and ill-treated compared with other prisoners of war? Can he give any assurance to the people who are much concerned about this that that is not the case?
§ Sir E. GriggI have seen the report, but I have been unable to obtain any verification of it. I can give the hon. Member a complete assurance that we will do our utmost for prisoners of the 51st Division, as for all other prisoners of war.