HC Deb 24 May 1944 vol 400 cc715-6
4. Captain Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is in a position to make any further statement on the treatment of British prisoners of war by the Japanese.

Mr. Eden

I have no further statement to make at present.

Captain Gammans

Is my right hon. Friend aware, in view of the statement that he made on this subject in the House a short time ago, of the report in this morning's papers from the Papal Delegate in Tokio, to the effect that the conditions in these camps are not as bad as my right hon. Friend reported?

Mr. Eden

I have read it, and I am checking up the camps to which the report may refer. I am obliged to my hon. and gallant Friend. I need hardly say that, if we get better news, we shall be only too delighted to give it.

Viscountess Astor

Will my right hon. Friend make it very prominent that he is doing all he can? I am receiving hundreds of letters from people asking that the Government should do more, when we know they are doing all they can.

Mr. Eden

We are really doing all we can and are working in close collaboration with the United States and Netherlands Governments, each trying to help the other.