HC Deb 03 March 1955 vol 537 cc307-8W
77. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will refer the official report entitled "Treatment of British Prisoners of War in Korea" to the United Nations, together with the names and military numbers of those who gave the evidence on which it is based for publication as an official United Nations document.

Mr. Turton

Copies of this report have already been handed to the 16 nations who fought under the United Nations Command in Korea. I do not consider that further action is required.

78. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Minister of Defence if he will publish a further paper giving the reasons why he refrained from quoting the names of the prisoners of war on whose evidence the report on the treatment of British prisoners of war in Korea was based.

Mr. H. Macmillan

Her Majesty's Government gave careful consideration before publishing the booklet on the treatment of British prisoners of war in Korea to the question of giving the names of the officers and non-commissioned officers and other ranks concerned. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the majority of these no doubt wish to forget their experiences and not be subjected to the fierce light of publicity upon their individual stories. There is, of course, no objection at all to any of those concerned giving their stories to the Press, should they wish to do so. I observe that in a number of cases this has already happened, but I am reluctant to press the individuals concerned should it be contrary to their wishes.