35. Mr. Driberģasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that British prisoners of war in a German camp, of whose identity he has been informed, have been deprived of their palliasses, allegedly in reprisal for similar action against German prisoners in Egypt; and if he can make any statement on this matter.
§ 37. Mr. Keelingasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make any statement about reprisals against British prisoners of war in Germany for the alleged conditions in Prisoner of War Camp 306 in Egypt.
Sir J. GriģģInformation was received at the end of January, 1945, that the Germans in violation of their obligations under the Prisoners of War Convention had removed mattresses, palliasses and most of the furniture from British prisoners of war in Oflag VII B and Stalag 357 as a reprisal for alleged conditions at two camps in Egypt holding German prisoners of war. The German allegations concerning conditions in these camps are entirely without foundation and no complaint on this matter had been received from the German Government. The strongest possible protest was at once sent through the Protecting Power to the German Government. As no reply was received a reminder was sent and the Protecting Power has been asked to report on the present position at Oflag VII B and Stalag 357.
§ Mr. Edgar GranvilleWill the Minister himself make representations to the Secretary of State for Air in order that machines from Transport Command will be made available to bring the majority of these men back home at the earliest possible moment?