§ 23. Mr. Ammonasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Channel Islanders serving with His Majesty's Forces are anxious as to the fate of their families on the islands; and whether arrangements for more frequent communications and exchange of letters, at least equal to that of prisoners of war in enemy hands on the Continent, can be arranged?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI sympathise deeply with the desire of Channel Islanders serving with His Majesty's Forces and others who have friends and relatives in the Channel Islands to be kept informed of their welfare and safety. As my hon. Friend is aware, the Foreign Relations Department of the Red Cross and Order of St. John has succeeded in arranging a special Message Scheme for the Channel Islands. Provision for correspondence of prisoners of war is made in the Prisoners of War Convention of 1929. The position of inhabitants of occupied territory, who are at liberty, is not analogous.
§ Mr. AmmonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that neither of these Committees is actually functioning?
§ Mr. MorrisonI can assure my hon. Friend that I have endeavoured to do my best, but there are great difficulties in the matter.