HC Deb 19 December 1941 vol 376 c2235
20. Sir A. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information regarding conditions under which British subjects are living in the Channel Islands?

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Richard Law)

Such information as my right hon. Friend has, suggests that the economic situation is difficult, but it does not indicate that the population of the islands is being molested by the German garrison.

Sir A. Knox

Is it not true that a state of real starvation exists there, through the people not being given enough to eat by the Germans?

Mr. Law

No, Sir, I think that is an exaggeration of what is happening. There is no evidence to show that conditions in the Channel Islands are as bad as in other territories occupied by the Germans. Our sources of information are, however, extremely scanty.

Mr. Mander

What channel of communication is made use of—the Red Cross, or some neutral Power?

Mr. Law

We do get some messages from the Red Cross through Geneva.

Mr. Mander

Is that all?

Sir A. Knox

Did not a boy who escaped the other day from the Channel Islands say that the allowance of bread was only five ounces a week?