§ Sir J. D. REESasked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) in what 954W condition the wounded British and Indian prisoners of war recently arrived from Turkey; and when he expects the Turks will ratify the convention their delegates signed at Berne last autumn, and effect the larger exchanges of prisoners for which it provides?
Mr. J. HOPEIn regard to the first part of the question, the military authorities will make inquiries of the medical authorities, in whose care the prisoners referred to at present are. In regard to the second part of the question, His Majesty's Government understand that the text of the agreement signed at Berne on 27th December last only reached the Turkish Government early this month, and its consideration by the latter must, therefore, have been considerably delayed. His Majesty's Government hope, however, to hear shortly of its ratification.