Oral Answers to Questions — Iran. – in the House of Commons at on 1 October 1941.
Sir Herbert Butcher
, Holland with Boston
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information concerning the conditions under which British airmen are interned in French North Africa?
Mr Anthony Eden
, Warwick and Leamington
With the exception of one or two men in hospital all the British airmen in French North Africa, including those who were formerly in French Morocco and Tunisia, are, I understand, now interned at Aumale in Algeria. The internment camp is inspected from time to time by a member of the staff of the United States Consulate-General at Algiers. The United States Consul General reports that the men are as well treated as can be expected, and the conditions of the camp appear to be good.
Sir Herbert Butcher
, Holland with Boston
As disturbing reports reach this country, will my right hon. Friend personally cause inquiries to be made as to whether the camp is under the control of a French officer of suitable rank and whether dysentery is prevalent in the camp or not?
Mr Anthony Eden
, Warwick and Leamington
If my hon. and gallant Friend has some particulars, I will certainly go into them.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
