asked the Secretary of State for War whether the armistice conditions regarding the return of prisoners taken by the Vichy forces in Syria have now been fulfilled; and whether any further retaliatory action for the breach of these conditions is in contemplation?

According to my latest information, 52 British prisoners have now been returned to Syria, and there have been unofficial reports that 13 more have recently arrived. If these reports are confirmed, only one British prisoner remains unaccounted for and it is understood that he is in hospital. I have so far been unable to confirm a further report that seven civilians of the Vichy foreign and Colonial services have been detained as hostages for six Free French officers. As soon as confirmation has been received that all prisoners have been released, the Vichy personnel held as hostages for them will be repatriated, and no further retaliatory action is contemplated.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say why General Dentz, who must have been primarily responsible for the breach, should now be released?

Because our prisoners from Vichy France have been released.