HC Deb 21 September 1943 vol 392 cc19-20
25. Sir A. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that an inspector-general of prisoners of war has been appointed in Germany in order to ensure the most effective utilisation of prisoners of war in the German army; and whether, in view of the breach of Article 31 of the Geneva Convention of 1929, he will make inquiries and, if necessary, protest?

Sir J. Grigg

Inquiries were made as soon as information reached this country of the creation of this post. The German authorities have explained that "this merely re-establishes a state of things which existed formerly." It is not very clear what this means, but the Protecting Power has been requested, if there is any good ground for suspicion that any British prisoner of war is being employed in a manner contrary to the Geneva Convention, to report the matter to His Majesty's Government.