HC Deb 01 November 1944 vol 404 cc775-6
5. Miss Ward

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the decision of the Japanese authorities to allow food parcels now at Vladivostock to be forwarded to British prisoners of war is to develop into a regular service.

Mr. Law

The Japanese Government have undertaken to send a ship to lift the relief supplies which were despatched to Vladivostok over a year ago. They have, however, refused to agree to receive further deliveries at the port designated by the Soviet Government, and while an overland rail route via Manchuria has been suggested as an alternative, a regular service is not yet in sight.

Miss Ward

Can my right hon. Friend say whether negotiations are being carried on still with the Japanese Government?

Mr. Law

Yes, Sir, we are doing everything we can to press the Japanese Government on this point.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Can my right hon. Friend give the House any information showing to which camps or areas these parcels or comforts will be despatched?

Mr. Law

That is rather a wider question, and I would like to see it on the Paper.