HC Deb 30 July 1953 vol 518 c213W
111. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements are being made for the early repatriation of British prisoners of war in Korea.

113. Mr. Alport

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange for British prisoners of war, released as a result of the Korean truce who have been in captivity for more than 12 months, to be repatriated to the United Kingdom by air.

Mr. Head

As soon as these men are handed over they will go to a camp in Korea where they will be fed and clothed. They will also be able to send a telegram to their next of kin. They will then be flown to Japan, where they will be held for the minimum time necessary. From Japan, those whose medical condition requires it will be brought home by air: the remainder will return by sea.

The next of kin will be told by telegram as soon as their relative is handed over and will be allowed a telegram at a special rate to send to him. They will later be told by letter when he leaves Japan and given details of the arrangements for his arrival in this country. Any letters to these men should be sent to them, giving the number, rank and name, to Repatriated P.W. "J" Reinforcement Base Depot. British Army Post Office, No. 5.