§ 10. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for War if he will impress anew on all ranks that, if taken prisoner, they should not co-operate in the broadcasting by the enemy of letters or other messages to their relatives, such co-operation being of direct assistance to enemy radio propaganda.
§ Sir J. GriggExisting instructions forbid prisoners of war to transmit messages over the enemy's broadcasting system. These instructions have recently been republished in the standing orders for the troops now in France.
§ Mr. DribergWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that recent internal evidence indicates that prisoners are being tricked into writing such messages, under the pretence that they will be sent by cable or telegram?
§ Sir J. GriggI think that may very well be so.
§ Mr. Keelingasked the Secretary of State for War on what grounds specific instructions from a prisoner of war to pay all credits to a nominee are disregarded and payments limited to £30.
§ Sir J. GriggUnless it is clear that a prisoner of war soldier is aware of the total amount of his credit balance, I consider that, in his own interest, a larger 10 sum than £30 should not be paid until he has had an opportunity to see the statement of his account which is sent to him at the time the payment is made. The limitation does not apply where there is clear evidence that the soldier specifically intended that a larger sum should be paid.
§ Mr. KeelingWhen the prisoner of war clearly says "all," does that mean that only £30 is sent? Why is it not in his interest to send all when he says "all"?
§ Sir J. GriggI can give a very good answer to that. Some prisoners of war have been under the impression, as we have discovered afterwards, that their balance was something of the order of £30 and, when it turned out to be £100, they were horrified that they had ordered the whole lot to be paid away.