HC Deb 08 December 1943 vol 395 cc987-8W
Sir J. Lucas

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that in 1917 an agreement was reached that any prisoners of war in Britain or Germany undergoing punitive imprisonment, inter alia, for attempts to escape, should be released within two months, and the sentences suspended until and reviewed after the end of the war and also limiting future sentences; and whether he will endeavour to make a similar agreement now?

Mr. Law

I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that when the Prisoners of War Convention was negotiated in 1929, Articles were included which have substantially the same effect as the agreement to which he refers. These are Articles 50 and 54. This Convention is in force as between His Majesty's Government and the German Government and he will see, therefore, that his wishes in this respect have already been met.