HC Deb 18 November 1941 vol 376 cc171-2
30. Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that British prisoners of war in German hands are being treated in all respects in accordance with the Geneva Convention, in particular whether they receive rations at the standard of depot troops; whether they receive the specified clothing; whether then-is overcrowding in some of the camps; and whether collective punishment is inflicted contrary to the Convention?

Captain Margesson

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the German Government's discharge of their obligations under the Prisoners of War Convention has not been satisfactory in certain respects. In particular, no information has yet been furnished by the German Government as to the scale of rations of depot troops in Germany, and I am not satisfied that British prisoners are receiving the full scale of clothing to which they are entitled. A few cases of overcrowding have been reported, and there have been one or two cases of action by the German authorities which appears to be an infringement of the provisions of the Convention relating to collective punishment.

Sir A. Knox

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend state why it was considered necessary to hand out a bouquet to the German Government recently by issuing an official statement to the effect that the Germans were carrying out the provisions of the Geneva Agreement?

Captain Margesson

I think a good deal of disquiet was created by an announcement which was made by someone about what took place before he got back within the orbit of the prisoner of war camps in Germany. It was felt that some reassuring statement on that point was necessary.

Sir A. Knox

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend explain why numbers of letters from prisoners of war, passed by the German censor, state that the Germans are not carrying out their obligations?

Captain Margesson

If we receive information of that sort, we at once inform the Protecting Power and try to get things rectified.

Mr. Thorne

According to that statement, prisoners of war in Germany are not being so well fed as Hess.

Sir William Davison

With regard to overcrowding in camps, can my right hon. and gallant Friend state the reasons for changing over some 3,000 officer prisoners of war to a new camp, and can he assure the House that the conditions there are satisfactory and are not overcrowded?

Captain Margesson

Perhaps my hon. Friend will give me the particular instance, and I will make inquiries.

44. Captain Elliston

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether he has any information as to whether the British prisoners of war intended for exchange during the recent negotiations were brought to Dieppe ready for embarkation?

Captain Margesson

No information is yet available on this point, but inquiries have been made through the Protecting Power.