HC Deb 24 February 1948 vol 447 cc1757-8
37. Mr. Dumpleton

asked the Secretary of State for War how many German prisoners of war now remain in the Middle East; and when it is expected that all will be repatriated.

Mr. Shinwell

Approximately 58,700 German prisoners of war were held in the Middle East on 31st January. As regards the last part of the Question, I cannot yet add anything to the reply which I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) on 20th January, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

Mr. Dumpleton

Can my right hon. Friend say if he has seen the memorandum issued by the Protestant pastors of these men, a copy of which I have sent to him, which reveals very disquietening features about the morale of these men who have been detained so long?

Mr. Shinwell

I have no doubt that morale does deteriorate if men are detained unduly, but as I have said in previous replies we are endeavouring to repatriate them speedily.

Mr. Sorensen

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether the actual repatriation has been accelerated in some measure?

Mr. Shinwell

It has been accelerated.

38. Mr. Dumpleton

asked the Secretary of State for War how many German naval personnel surrendered by the Japanese at Singapore in May, 1945, now remain in this country; and when they will be repatriated.

Mr. Shinwell

Twenty-seven officers and 187 other ranks were transferred to the United Kingdom from Singapore. No record is readily available of the total number repatriated to date, but it is known that 15 officers and 30 other ranks were repatriated during 1947. The balance remaining in the United Kingdom will be repatriated during June or July.

Mr. Dumpleton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that allegations are made on behalf of these men that, when they were brought here in 1946 as surrendered personnel, they were assured that, as such, they would be repatriated straight away, but that they have since been transferred to the status of prisoners of war, leading to allegations of breaking faith?

Mr. Shinwell

My information is that no official promise of repatriation was made to them, but that there is no difference in their status.