§ 2. Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in any negotiations now proceeding through the Red Cross officers with a view to another exchange of prisoners of war, he will put forward the name of Rifleman Clauson, No. 6845863, now a prisoner of war in Italy?
§ Mr. EdenNegotiations with the Italian Government for the reciprocal repatriation of prisoners of war who are seriously ill or wounded are conducted through the Protecting Power, and not through the Red Cross. I do not know whether Rifleman Clauson has already, as provided by Article 70 of the Geneva Convention of 1929, either been selected by the medical officer of his camp for examination by the Mixed Medical Commission, or has himself made a direct request for examination, 1660 or has been presented for examination by his camp leader, either on the latter's own initiative or at the prisoner's request. If not, and if the hon. Member will be good enough to give me particulars of the serious injury or illness which in his opinion would justify examination with a view to repatriation, I will be ready to consider whether His Majesty's Government can nominate Rifleman Clauson for examination by the Commission.
§ Mr. ThorneMay I think the right hon. Gentleman for that reply? The reason I put down this Question was that the man in question has been a prisoner of war from the very earliest stages.