§ 31. Mr. R. C. Morrisonasked the Secretary of State for War how many war prisoners were saved from the Japanese transport ship sunk recently; from which camp the prisoners came; whether the names of those on board, but not saved, are known; and, if so, whether the next-of-kin have been informed.
§ Sir J. Grigg60 prisoners of war from the United Kingdom and 91 from Australia were rescued by American naval forces from a sinking which occurred in September, and I should like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for the hazardous rescues carried out by the officers and men of those forces. Most of the prisoners from this country came from Camp No. 4 in Thailand and most of them were originally captured at Singapore. Next-of-kin of the survivors have been informed. An official list of those who were on the transport has not been received from the Japanese authorities but the Protecting Power is urging them to forward such a list. The rescued men have meanwhile been asked for all the information they have and next-of-kin will be informed in cases where the facts can be established with reasonable certainty. Reports of an earlier sinking in June have now reached His Majesty's Government for the first time from the Japanese Government through the International Red Cross Committee. It is known that 177 officers and men from the United Kingdom lost their lives. Details are not yet complete, but the next-of-kin of those concerned will be informed as soon as possible. The circumstances in these cases are most distressing and I should like to express my deep sympathy with the next-of-kin of the prisoners of war who are affected.
§ Mr. MorrisonWould my right hon. Friend publish a further statement when he has more information?
§ Sir J. GriggYes, Sir, if it is of general interest; I would not like to guarantee to publish a statement if it is concerned solely with individual circumstances.