§ 15. Sir Jocelyn Lucasasked the Secretary of State for War what reports he has received from Doctor Felton on the condition of British prisoners of war in Chinese hands.
§ Mr. StracheyNone. Sir.
§ Sir J. LucasIn view of the great public interest felt by relatives of these prisoners, can the Minister say if any member of that party made any personal contact with any British prisoners of war or allied prisoners of war, and whether there is any ground for the statement made by Dr. Felton that our prisoners are being treated with humanity? We hope it is true, but are there any grounds for it?
§ Mr. StracheyThe grounds that we have are from escaped or returned prisoners of war in Korea who have given reports which tend to relieve our anxieties as to the treatment of prisoners of war, but further than that I have no information.
§ 16. Sir J. Lucasasked the Secretary of State for War if he will confer with the American and other Allies engaged in Korea with a view to pooling all sources of information concerning Allied prisoners of war.
§ Mr. StracheyWe have maintained very close contact with the United States and Commonwealth Governments on all matters concerning United Nations prisoners of war in Korea. In addition, arrangements have been made for my Department to be informed of any information reaching the Headquarters of the Unified Command regarding the conditions of treatment of these prisoners of war. Very little reliable information has, however, become available.
Air Commodore HarveyWill the right hon. Gentleman make sure that the Government insist that in any peace negotiations they are given full information regarding all British prisoners of war as one of the conditions?
§ Mr. StracheyI am quite sure that the interests of our prisoners of war will be taken full account of in any such negotiations.