§ Sir E. HUME-WILLIAMSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the 1,000 prisoners in Turkey who are to 531W be repatriated have yet been chosen, and, if so, by whom; whether the transports which are to bring the prisoners have yet been provided; where they now are; and how soon it is hoped that the first consignment of prisoners will leave Turkey?
Mr. J. HOPEThe first 1,000 British invalid prisoners of war to be repatriated from Turkey are to be selected by the Turkish authorities. They will leave Turkey so soon as the Turkish Government are able to collect them at the port of embarkation, and so soon as an assurance has been received from the German and Austrian Governments of the immunity of the vessel from attack. As, unfortunately, some weeks' notice is needed to ensure such immunity, it is premature to select any vessel in the meantime. As already stated in this House, the Netherlands Minister at Constantinople has been requested to press the Turkish Government for information on the above points.