§ 22. Wing-Commander Hulbertasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make any statement in regard to the alleged transfer of British prisoners of war from Italy to Germany?
§ 24. Major-General Sir Alfred Knoxasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make a statement regarding the reported removal of British prisoners of war from Italy to Germany?
§ 28. Mr. Hewlettasked the Secretary of State for War how many British prisoners have been transferred from Italy to Germany?
§ 38 and 39. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he has received any confirmation of the Badoglio Government's assurance that no British prisoners have been transferred from Italy to Germany since the fall of Mussolini; approximately, how many were transferred shortly before that event; and whether parcels are reaching them at their new addresses;
{2) how many of the British prisoners transferred from Italy to Germany shortly before, or about the time of the fall of Mussolini were originally captured by the Germans; and whether he will make representations through the Protecting Power with a view to reclaiming those who were originally captured by Italians?
§ Sir J. GriggLate in July it was reported that a considerable number of British prisoners of war was being transferred from Italy to Germany. Inquiries revealed that some 2,400 had been transferred immediately before the fall of Mussolini. This transfer was not contrary to any provision of International Law, but representations were immediately made to the Badoglio Government to prevent the handing over of any Allied prisoners to the Germans. This Government gave an explicit assurance that no transfers had taken place since 25th July and that no further transfers would take place. As the hon. Members will be aware, the Armistice signed on 3rd September contained the following provision: 19
All prisoners or internees of the United Nations to be immediately turned over to the C.-in-C. and none of these may, from the beginning of these negotiations, be evacuated to Germany.The prisoners transferred were taken from a number of Italian camps, and it is not known what principle, if any, was followed in selecting them. They are now in German camps, and as far as is known they are being treated in the same way as other British prisoners in Germany. A number of letters have been received from them, and although they express indignation at the transfer—and I fully sympathise with them—they do not complain of the treatment they are receiving. Next-of-kin have been informed. We have no knowledge of other transfers of prisoners from Italian to German hands, but it is possible, and even probable, that the Germans are transferring prisoners from areas where they are now in control. The Protecting Power is doing what is possible to keep in touch with our prisoners and safeguard their interests but the hon. Members will appreciate that in the present confused situation it may take some time before detailed information is available.
§ Sir A. KnoxHave any British prisoners been released from Southern Italy, and have any of our prisoners from camps in Northern Italy succeeded in escaping across to Switzerland?
§ Sir J. GriggThe answer is "Yes, in comparatively small numbers in both cases."
§ Mr. DribergCan the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of Question 38?
§ Sir J. GriggI think the immediate needs will be met out of the reserve of parcels. As soon as we get clear notification of where our prisoners in Germany are, they will be subject, as regards parcels, to the same treatment as all other prisoners in Germany.
§ Wing-Commander HulbertCan my right hon. Friend say what happens to any of our prisoners who escape to Switzerland? Do the Swiss Government hand them over to us?
§ Sir J. GriggI would like to have notice of that question.