§ 9 and 10. Rear-Admiral Beamishasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) what clauses were included in the Italian armistice terms to insist upon and facilitate the opportunity for escape of British prisoners of war known to be in camps within reach of German armed forces;
(2) whether he is aware that the commandant of the Bologna prisoner of war camp deliberately procrastinated in opening the gates and prevaricated with the senior British officer, with the result that the ultimate facilities for escape were useless in the face of German armed force; and whether he will have this Italian officer's name ascertained and noted?
§ Mr. LawArticle 3 of the Armistice with Italy signed on 3rd September, reads as follows:
All prisoners or internees of the United Nations to be immediately turned over to the Allied Commander-in-Chief, and none of these may now or at any time be evacuated to Germany.As regards the prisoners of war camp at Bologna, information in my possession confirms that there was undue delay in opening the gates of this camp. I am taking steps to ascertain the name of the camp commandant.
§ Rear-Admiral BeamishIs my right hon. Friend aware that, as a result of the failure on the part of the Italian officials, a very large number of British prisoners of war have been transferred to Germany, and can he hold out any hopes that some redress can be obtained?
§ Mr. LawAs I say, we are trying to ascertain the name of the camp commandant, who must have been acting contrary to the instructions of his Govern- 164 ment, and I hope that in due course appropriate steps will be taken against him.
§ Mr. BowlesWill His Majesty's Government publish, the full terms of the armistice, so that we may know all the details?
§ Mr. KeelingHas my right hon. Friend any information that other prison camp commandants behaved in a similar way?