PRISONERS OF WAR IN JAPAN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 10 February 1944, Page 5

PRISONERS OF WAR IN JAPAN

INSPECTION OF CAMPS MR EDEN REPLIES TO QUESTIONS (Rec. 9.30 a.m.) London, Feb 9 Asked in the House of Commons if he had approached the Soviet Government with a view to enlisting their good offices on behalf of British prisoners in Japanese hands, Mr Eden Foreign Secretary, said the Japanese Government had hitherto withheld permission for neutral inspection of ;r.y prisoner of war camp in the southern area, where nine-tenths of the prisoners were held. In the north, where only limited inspection was allowed, representatives of a protecting power or inspectors of the International Red Cross could only make inquiries and give reports with the full knowledge and approval of the Japanese authorities. The approximate number of British pnd Commonwealth prisoners in Jananese hands were estimated at 140.000. The good offices of the Soviet Government had been sought and had been forthcoming in connection with the dispatch of prisoners of war correspondence and fdrwarding relief supplies through their territory.