HC Deb 23 May 1944 vol 400 cc578-9
60. Mr. Edgar Granville

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has received any further information from the Protecting Power on the killing of 47 R.A.F. officers whilst attempting to escape from a German prison camp; and why the Protecting Power was not informed of this until several weeks after it had taken place.

Mr. Eden

No, Sir, I regret that I am unable at present to add anything to the statement which I made on 19th May. But I might perhaps add that I have seen a report, which appears in the Press this morning, and I have asked His Majesty's Minister at Stockholm for an immediate report on the matter.

Mr. Granville

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, might I ask whether he will take an opportunity of seeing that the Press Department of the Foreign Office make available to the public of this country any information of an authentic character which the Foreign Office receive during the Parliamentary Recess?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir. As soon as we receive anything in which we have absolute confidence, we will make a statement.

Major Sir Jocelyn Lucas

Have the names of prisoners who are still at large been given to the next of kin?

Mr. Eden

I shall be glad if my hon. and gallant Friend will put that question down.