§ 27. Sir A. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for War what has been the response of the German Government to the decision announced by His Majesty's Government in December and actually carried into effect on 12th December to free all German prisoners from shackles; and whether, at the present time in any camp in Germany, British prisoners are subject to so-called reprisals by shackling, the imposition of a ban on correspondence or the withholding of parcels?
§ Sir J. GriggI am not at present in a position to make any statement on the matter of shackling. The restrictions on prisoners' mail have now been removed.
§ Sir A. KnoxAre we to understand that the shackling of our prisoners of war is still going on in camps in Germany?
§ Sir J. GriggI am afraid that that is the case.
§ Sir A. KnoxIf the reason is that the Germans object to some regulation that we have telling commanders to bind prisoners if necessary on the field of battle, surely we might give it up in order to allow our men to be free?
§ Sir J. GriggThat seems to be an argument and not a question.
§ Sir A. KnoxCould we not ask the Protecting Power to arbitrate on the matter?
§ Mr. SorensenSeeing that this serious matter has been prolonged for many weeks, and even months, cannot we have a report about it on a near date?
§ Sir J. GriggThe Government will make a statement to the House, I have no doubt, as soon as it is possible to do so.