§ 30. Mr. Keelingasked the Secretary of State for War what information he has about the existence, location and condition of the 61 British prisoners of war taken in Korea.
§ Mr. StracheyThe belief that seven British officers and 83 other ranks are prisoners of war in enemy hands is based on information disclosed by five British soldiers who were recently released by the enemy. I am awaiting further details from the same source regarding the location and condition of these prisoners of war.
§ Mr. KeelingHas the right hon. Gentleman got the names, and can he explain how the number has risen from 61, which was the figure given last week by the Minister of Defence, to 90?
§ Mr. StracheyThese are simply reports from the five men who have come back. We are investigating them very carefully and shall, of course, publish them and let the next-of-kin know as soon as we are sure of our information, but we have to make very careful inquiries before making any statement.
§ Mr. KeelingWhat about the increase in number from last week?
§ Mr. StracheyWe now believe, again from the same source, that these additional numbers have been seen in enemy hands.
§ Mr. GammansHas the right hon. Gentleman any news of the additional men who are missing but who are not officially reported as prisoners of war?
§ Mr. StracheyNo, Sir.
§ Mr. Duncan SandysHas the right hon. Gentleman still received no information whatsoever from the enemy side?
§ Mr. StracheyNo, Sir. Efforts are continuing on the part of the International Red Cross, who are unremitting in their efforts, but I cannot claim that they have made any real progress.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonIs this country making efforts on its own, or must all efforts on behalf of the prisoners be made through the United Nations or the Unified Command?
§ Mr. StracheyThey have been done by the International Red Cross, which I think has much the best chance of getting in touch.