§ Mr. BROOKESasked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether he can make any statemeit as to the treatment of the British troops now in Turkish hands as a result of the surrender of Kut; and whether the attention of the Government has been called to the recent reports on the subject?
Mr. J. HOPEI am afraid that there is no doubt that while the British officers are on the whole well treated, the conditions of the other ranks is very far from satisfactory. The United States Embassy and Consulates in Turkey were able before the54W rupture of relations between the United States of America and that country to send considerable quantities of clothing and comforts to Our prisoners. The Netherlands Minister, who is now in charge of our interests, fully realises the importance which we attach to all possible steps being taken to improve the lot of our prisoners of war in Turkey.