HC Deb 26 January 1943 vol 386 c352
23. Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the German Government have hitherto refused to free our prisoners from shackles owing to orders issued by our military authorities involving, in certain cases, the temporary binding of German prisoners on the battlefield; and whether he will consider the cancelling of such orders which, though primarily designed in the interests of the prisoners themselves, might be thought to be insulting to the prisoners and so contrary to Article 2 of the Geneva Convention of 1929?

Mr. A. Henderson

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend on 19th January.

Sir A. Knox

When are we to have a decision about this matter? Would it not be better on balance to give way, in view of the terrible sufferings of our prisoners through all these months?

Mr. Henderson

I am sure my hon. and gallant Friend can be satisfied that a statement will be made on this very difficult problem at the earliest possible moment.

Mr. Shinwell

Is not this matter being very long drawn out? It is many weeks since we were told that something was to be done. Meanwhile our men are suffering. Cannot the Government make up their mind?

Mr. Henderson

I can assure the hon. Member that the Government are just as anxious to help our men as anyone else but we have no control over the German government.

Sir W. Davison

Can the House not be informed of the nature of the negotiations between the International Red Cross and the Germans?

Sir A. Knox

If members of the Government were shackled themselves for 12 hours daily would it not hasten a decision?