HC Deb 05 June 1945 vol 411 cc727-8W
Sir R. Glyn

asked the Secretary of State for War how many French nationals have now been evacuated by Movement Control at Supreme Headquaters and at Headquarters, 21st Army Group; how many more it is estimated there are waiting evacuation; and what expression of appreciation has been received for their services from the French Government.

Sir J. Grigg

At the beginning of this month S.H.A.E.F. had repatriated through Service channels some 1,050,000 French Nationals; of this number 190,000 had been transported by 21 Army Group. Only a few thousand, including sick, remain to be returned from areas under S.H.A.E.F.'s control. Public appreciation of the expeditious repatriation of French Nationals by the Allied Armies was voiced on 1st June by the French Minister of Prisoners, Deportees and Refugees at a ceremony in Paris welcoming the millionth Frenchman on his return. In addition notices appeared in the French Press which were unanimous in expressing gratitude for what had been done for French prisoners.