§ 30. Sir A. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for War for what reason the airmail service to Lisbon has been suspended; whether letters can now be sent by sea to Lisbon and thence by non-Allied planes to prisoner of war camps in Germany, or alternatively, can they be sent via Sweden.
§ The Assistant Postmaster-General (Mr. Robert Grimston)I have been asked to reply. The air-mail service to Lisbon has been suspended as a security measure for operational reasons. Letters can still be sent to prisoners of war in Germany post free by ordinary post, and such letters are due to be carried from Lisbon to Germany by the German air service. The same consideration would apply to letters if sent viâ Sweden, and I fear therefore that my right hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion would be of no advantage.
§ Sir A. KnoxWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that with the exception of the garrison at Gibraltar, prisoners of war are the only people who are, by this Order, deprived of the benefit of air service? Will this service be restored as soon as possible, as prisoners of war are in special need of it?
§ Mr. GrimstonWe have every sympathy with the hardship caused, but I would ask my hon. and gallant Friend to realise that this restriction has been imposed only for security reasons, and will be lifted as soon as possible.