HC Deb 13 March 1946 vol 420 c221W
106. Mr Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give an assurance that German prisoners now in British hands are being treated in accordance with the terms of the Geneva Convention; and which protective power operates in accordance with the provision therein.

Mr. Bevin

Since the German surrender it has not been possible to carry out the Geneva Conventions in all respects owing to situations having arisen which were never contemplated when they were drawn up, but His Majesty's Government continue to observe the spirit of the Conventions. There has been no Protecting Power since 14th May, 1945, when the Swiss Government themselves withdrew from representing German interests.