Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any further information to give to the House with regard to the attack on a British column near Hilla?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo important news regarding the attack on Hillah has yet been received. A reassuring telegram has been received from the General Officer Commanding, Mesopotamia, with regard to the British prisoners taken in the recent operations. It appears that though they were very much neglected at first they are now receiving better care, and52W that the Army leaders have issued communiqués stating that the Arabs look on prisoners as a sacred trust and ordering the subordinate shiekhs to treat them well. The prisoners are said to be collected in the neighbourhood of Nejef. A friendly local doctor from Baghdad has been sent to them with clothing, comforts, and medicines under conditions which are expected to ensure his safe arrival. A list of the prisoners captured was asked for and will be telegraphed when obtained. General Haldane wishes the relations of the prisoners to be assured that their welfare is receiving the most earnest attention, and that every effort will be made to maintain touch with them and to secure good treatment.