HC Deb 06 March 1945 vol 408 cc1803-4
5. Sir Henry Morris-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any further information in regard to our prisoners of war in German territory occupied by our Russian Ally.

Sir J. Grigg

The arrival of 14 officers and 464 other ranks at the transit camp at Odessa has been reported by our Military Mission in Moscow; the names of those arriving are now being received and next-of-kin are being informed as soon as possible. Perhaps I could interpolate that about half of the names have arrived so far. We have otherwise received no further information about British Commonwealth prisoners liberated by the Red Army since the reply I gave a number of hon. Members last Tuesday. I should like to take this opportunity to inform the House that the British Red Cross War Organisation sent supplies to Russia some time ago and these are now being called forward for our men. Supplies have also recently been sent to Odessa.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

Can my right hon. Friend give an idea of the total number of prisoners of war released by Russia as people in this country seem disappointed at the small number and the lack of news?

Sir J. Grigg

Beyond the answers I have given already, the only authentic numbers I have are these: 14 officers and 464 other ranks. These have arrived in Odessa. As to others, various stories have been received but are not immediately verifiable. I will certainly give all the information I receive, but my hon. Friend will be aware that I have given answers in the House from time to time showing that the Germans have been very hastily and very inconsiderately removing numbers of our prisoners further back into Germany.

Mr. Silverman

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has yet had an opportunity to complete the inquiries he promised into the allegations that the Germans are segregating Jewish prisoners of war from other prisoners of war, and in view of the grave anxiety caused by the report, can he expedite the inquiry?

Sir J. Grigg

I think it was last week my hon. Friend asked me this Question. Those inquiries can only be made through the Protecting Power, and it is a matter of many weeks before those inquiries can mature in information. I am afraid I can only say that it is no good expecting an early answer.