§ 26. Sir A. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for War whether the Japanese Government still refuse to allow prisoners of war to receive parcels, in view of the fact that British officers interned in Formosa have been allowed to broadcast messages from Tokio asking their relatives to send them various articles, and that private soldiers confined at Camp H in Korea have stated in their cards that they are allowed to receive parcels?
§ Sir J. GriggThe Japanese have not refused to allow prisoners of war to receive parcels. As indicated in my reply of 13th July, to my hon. and gallant Friend, all efforts to secure Japanese agreement to the provision of regular transport and distribution of relief supplies for the Far East have hitherto been unsuccessful; and it has only been possible to send such supplies in Japanese ships returning to Japan with exchanged Japanese subjects. The opportunities so offered are very limited and in these circumstances His Majesty's Government consider that the more practical means of bringing the maximum relief to the greatest number of prisoners of war and civilian internees in the Far East is to use such shipping space as can be obtained for the despatch in bulk of Red Cross supplies of vital medicines, food and clothing, for distribution to all 21 prisoners of war and civilian internees of the United Nations in the areas to which they are sent.
§ Sir A. KnoxWhat is the object of the Japanese Government in allowing these censored letters and messages to be sent out asking for parcels?
§ Sir J. GriggI am afraid I am not a very ready entrant into the intricacies of the Oriental mind.
Viscountess AstorCan the Minister make better known what he has just said, because there are anxiety and misery, among the families and relatives of prisoners who are in Japanese hands? They know nothing about them, and think that the Japanese have forbidden parcels.