Oral Answers to Questions — Surrendered Enemy Personnel (Status)

– in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 17 Mehefin 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Tom Driberg Mr Tom Driberg , Maldon 12:00, 17 Mehefin 1947

asked the Secretary of State for War in what respect the status of surrendered enemy personnel differs from that of prisoners of war; how many Germans who surrendered in the closing stages of the war were regarded as being in the former category; whether these have been repatriated in advance of prisoners of war; and if he will examine the position of a few prisoners in Camp 78, near Braintree, Essex, who claim that they should have been treated as surrendered enemy personnel.

Photo of Mr Frederick Bellenger Mr Frederick Bellenger , Bassetlaw

Approximately 2,000,000 German surrendered enemy personnel came under our control as the result of absolute and unconditional surrender at the end of hostilities. Though we have not recognised their right to be treated as prisoners of war, we have, whenever practicable, given them similar treatment and any brought to this country certainly have no claim to be repatriated in advance of their fellow countrymen who were made prisoners of war during hostilities. The last part of the Question, therefore, does not arise.