HC Deb 19 March 1941 vol 370 cc136-7
3. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make with reference to the seizure of Greeks, over 1,000 in number, as hostages by the Italian forces in Epirus and Albania, concerning which the Greek Red Cross Society has telegraphed to the International Red Cross Society, Geneva, and the British Red Cross Society?

Mr. Butler

According to information supplied by the Greek Government, up to February of this year the Italian army took as hostages about 200 Greek subjects and 250 Albanians belonging to the Orthodox Church. These came from 54 towns and villages in the Greek province of Epirus and in Southern Albania. They consisted of leading citizens and priests, together with a number of old men, women and children. They were marched to concentration camps situated in Northern Albania. His Majesty's Government naturally condemn this action.

Mr. Mander

Is this the ordinary usage of war, and does it not show that the Fascists are very good Allies for the Nazis?

Mr. Butler

In the circumstances in which they took place, these deportations were a contravention of the ordinary rules of international law.

Mr. Hannah

Is it not time that the noble Italian nation had another Government?