§ Mr. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations have been received or made to the German or Japanese Governments on the exchange of long-term prisoners of war other than those who have been incapacitated for further service due to sickness or wounds; and, if so, with what results.
§ Mr. EdenNo proposal of this kind has ever been received from the German or Japanese Governments. Repeated initiatives have been taken by His Majesty's Government. As soon as the first exchange with Germany of seriously wounded prisoners had taken place in the autumn of 1943 attention was given to the question of able-bodied prisoners of war. As the House already knows, proposals were made to the German Government in April, 1944, but despite frequent reminders no reply has been received. The re-examination mentioned in the reply given on 19th January to my hon. Friend the Member for Worcester has now been concluded and if a further Question is put down for next week I hope to be in a position to make a statement. As regards the Japanese Government I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson) of 24th January last.