HC Deb 15 February 1944 vol 397 cc7-8
14. Captain Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the controller of the Far East section of the British Red Cross announced in October, 1943, that there was not a single authenticated case of atrocity by the Japanese against our prisoners and that treatment was considerate; if this announcement was made by the British Red Cross on information obtained by the Foreign Office; and if all the information then at the disposal of the British Red Cross warranted this announcement.

Sir J. Griģģ

Yes, Sir. I am aware that such a statement was made by the official in question. He no doubt based it on such information as was in his possession at the time but that information was far from complete as at that time he had no means of knowing anything of the information on which was based the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on 28th January.

Captain Gammans

From what source did the Red Cross get their information? If it was from the Government, had not His Majesty's Government any evidence to suggest that that statement was not true?

Sir J. Griģģ

His Majesty's Government had a good deal of evidence, but did not necessarily communicate it all to the Red Cross, on account of the source from which it arose. Incidentally, I did make representations to the Red Cross on account of this particular incident.

Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

Would it not be better for the Red Cross to keep their mouths shut?

Sir J. Griģģ

That is a matter of opinion.

Mr. Bowles

Should there not be one Minister exclusively responsible for looking after the welfare of prisoners of war?

Sir J. Griģģ

That question has been dealt with in the House of Commons before.

Mr. Lipson

What reply did the right hon. Gentleman receive to the representations?

Sir J. Griģģ

The representations were unilateral.