EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 48, 24 February 1917, Page 5

EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS

SYSTEM NOW SUSPENDED

CONDITIONS AT BUHLEBBN

IMPROVED,

(REUTERS TELEGRAM.)

LONDON, 22nd February. Speaking in the House of Lords, Lord Newton (Minister in Charge of the War Prisoners Department) stated that there were 550 British civilians a-nd 34,000 soldiers in Germany. An exchange of civilians with Austria had not been begun, because in exchange for a, total of 200 British prisoners Austria sought to receive 11,000 Austrians who were interned in Britain. The considerate treatment accorded our prisoners by Austria was in sharp contrast with that accorded by Germany. Britain and France were negotiating with Turkey, with a view to exchanging civilians, and 20 per cent, of soldier prisoners. It was not true to represent Ruhleben as a hell on earth compared with the paradise at ■ the British internment camps. According to Mr. Gerard (late American Minister to Germany), the conditions in Euhleben had recently been improved, but the Government was anxious to guard the conditions of the British prisoners in Germany. The exchange of British and German prisoners had been entirely, but he hoped temporarily, suspended, because of Germany's cold-blooded ferocity.

Mr. J. F. Hope (Under Socrebary of the Treasury) stated that the obstacles to the exchange of civilian prisoners had hitherto been insurmountable, ajid tho idea' of a, general exchange had Been abandoned.