HC Deb 24 October 1945 vol 414 cc2147-8W
Mr. Tiffany

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many Greeks are still detained in camps in North Africa and Eritrea; when they will be repatriated to Greece; and will he give an assurance that they will in the meantime be granted the unrestricted right to receive letters, parcels of food and medicine and proper medical and dental treatment.

Mr. Bevin

There are 1,850 Greeks detained in North Africa and Eritrea as a result of mutinies in the Greek forces in 1944, of whom 1,200 are military and 650 naval personnel. About 1,500 naval internees have recently been repatriated, and it is hoped that the remaining 650 will have returned to Greece by the end of this month. No definite date can be given for the repatriation' of the 1,200 military internees, but the Greek Government have been asked to release naval vessels for this purpose, since other transport is not available. As regards the last part of the Question, there are no restrictions on incoming letters and parcels other than the normal security censorship and a search for means of escape. As a result of the recent publicity suggesting that medical treatment is inadequate, the internees are being sent large quantities of medicines. These parcels must be examined, since they often include dangerous drugs. I am assured that the British and Greek authorities are satisfied that the medical and dental facilities for the internees are fully adequate.