Prisoners of War

HC Deb 13 February 1991 vol 185 cc847-8

9. Mr. David Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met the Iraqi ambassador to make representations concerning the treatment of British and allied prisoners of war.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

I summoned the Iraqi ambassador on 21 January to protest about Iraqi threats to use allied prisoners of war as human shields. I summoned him again on 29 January, following Iraqi news reports that prisoners of war had been wounded and that one perhaps had been killed. I told the ambassador that the Iraqi Government were in breach of their international obligations under articles 19 and 23 of the third Geneva convention. I asked him to convey our views to the Iraqi Government at once and at the highest level.

Mr. Evans

I thank my hon. and learned Friend for that reply. Was his meeting with the ambassador held in the Tower of London? If not, why not? When the ambassador returns to this country, will my hon. and learned Friend have further meetings with him in the Tower of London so that the ambassador can be close to the torture chamber and make himself familiar with what Saddam Hussein has done to prisoners of war and, in particular, our loved ones?

Mr. Hogg

When I saw the ambassador I made it plain to him that we regarded the conduct of his Government as wholly disgraceful. After that meeting he was under no illusion whatsoever.

Mr. Rees

Does the Minister recall that during the previous war, when it was reported to the House that RAF air crew had been badly treated and, indeed, shot, a promise was made to do something about it after the war? After the war, it was decided conveniently to forget it. I hope that the Minister's words—a correct condemnation —will not be the end of the matter. It must never be forgotten that, when prisoners of war on any side are badly treated, somebody must be brought to justice.

Mr. Hogg

I made it plain to the ambassador that where there was a gross breach of international obligations, those responsible could be held personally liable.

Mr. Onslow

What are the penalties for a reckless breach of the Geneva convention in these matters, and who is responsible for enforcing them?

Mr. Hogg

There are a variety of ways in which individuals can be made accountable for their individual action. Of course, the consequences depend upon the precise nature of the breach alleged.