– in the House of Commons at on 3 December 1941.
Wedgwood:
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the International Red Cross have been or will be approached by His Majesty's Government to secure inspections of those camps where Russian prisoners of war are held in German-occupied territory, and where the members of the International Brigade are held at Palencia and in Vichy France?
Mr Richard Law
, Kingston upon Hull South West
As regards the proposal that the International Red Cross should be approached regarding Russian prisoners of war, I would refer my right hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend the member for Wycombe (Sir A. Knox) on 19th November, in which my right hon. Friend said that this was a matter for the Governments concerned to decide. As regards the second part of the Question, it would not be appropriate for His Majesty's Government to approach the International Red Cross regarding the members of the Inter national Brigade, since no British subjects are involved.
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood
, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Arising out of that answer, did not the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary of State, when he last replied to this Question, say that as regards the International Brigade he was approaching the American Government to see whether they could do anything in the matter, and has any reply yet been received from the American Government, and is it not a fact that the Russian objection to the Inter national Red Cross is that it is situated at Rome?
Mr Richard Law
, Kingston upon Hull South West
As regards the latter point, the International Red Cross is not situated at Rome but at Geneva. With regard to the first point, my right hon. Friend said last week, I think, that he was in consultation with the United States Government, but I do not think there have yet been any developments.
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood
, Newcastle-under-Lyme
As regards the quesion of prisoners of war, while it is, of course, the primary duty of the Government concerned, is it not possible for His Majesty's Government to use their good offices to do something, for they are suffering fearful hardships at present?
Mr Richard Law
, Kingston upon Hull South West
His Majesty's Government are always willing to use their good offices, but this is a matter which concerns the Russian Government.
Major-General Sir Alfred Knox
, Wycombe
Is it not clear from M. Molotov's declarations that the Russian Government are very anxious about their prisoners?
