WAR PRISONERS

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16215, 18 May 1918, Page 9

WAR PRISONERS

TERMS OF FRANCO-GERMAN AGREEMENT. (By Cable.—Press Association. —Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z Cable Association.) LOXD-ON, May 16. In the House of Lords, Lord Newton said that he had now seen tho text of the Franco-German agreement. The most important clause was that relating to the repatriation of non-coms, and men, head for head and grade for grade if they had been in captivity for over eighteen months. Officers imprisoned for tho same period would bo interned in Switzerland, head for head, regardless of rank. The Germans declined to regard merchant seamen captured on armed vcsels as civilians. This point had caused an acuto controversy between England and Germany, and until it was satisfactorily settled the Admiralty would not allow German merchant seamen to leave Britain. Fiance and Germany had agreed to the

repatriation of civilians regardless of ago or sex, on an undertaking that they would not again be used as soldiers. Although it was desirable that the Allies should act together it was impossible to secure absoluto similarity of action. The number of British civilian prisoners in Gercnany was 3750, including 2600 seamen, against 21,000 Germans in Britain. Lorn Crewe congratulated France on the excellent agreement made. He hoped that Britain would sccuro a similar one. The newspapers criticise the Government's ignorance of the Franco-German agreement for tho exchange of prisoners. They urge Britain to arrange a similar agreement.

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Reuter'a Telegrams.) (Received Mav 17th, 11.50 p.m.) LONDON, May 17.

The Press Bureau states that, in order to correct any misapprehension, it is officially stated that the Government has for a considerable period advocated the release of fit combatant prisoners of war for internment in a neutral country, but not for repatriation. It has only been possible to apply the policy to officers and noncommissioned officers because Germany has hitherto refused to extend it to privates. As regards the repatriation of fit combatants, the Government has always acted after consultation with the Allies.