No Burden

Abstract

The year 1946 marks the turning point in the British attitude towards the German POWs.‘The Honourable Member’s suggestion that the POWs in this country are a burden to us is wholly misconceived’, said the Right Hon. Herbert Morrison in the House of Commons in February 1946.‘The great majority of these prisoners are engaged in work of the highest importance for which suitable British labour is not available. No arrangements have been made or are at present in contemplation for the repatriation of the German prisoners. On the contrary, arrangements are in hand to bring further German prisoners to this country from other areas in considerable numbers to make good the loss of Italians and to supplement the POW labour force.’ Repatriation of Italian POWs had begun after the 1945 harvest.