THE COUNCIL OF FOUR


in the fact that there are thousands of German Prisoners of War and
Interned Civilians in oversea countries, but the German Delegation
is likewise thinking of the Germans who are in Siberia, and whose
despatch seems to be a question not only of special urgency, but of
extraordinary difficulty.
The German Delegation, for reasons of internal policy, regards it
of the utmost importance that the German Prisoners of War and
Interned Civilians should be returned to their homes in as normal
conditions as possible, in order that they may there be brought back
as rapidly as possible into the economic life of the country. That only
appears possible-the precise settlement of transport problems apart-
if everything possible is done to improve the mental and physical
state of those who are returning home.
Having regard to the present situation in respect of economic exist-
ence in Germany, it must be admitted that Germany is unable to do
with her own resources everything required in order to secure that
end. This refers especially to food and clothing; therefore the Ger-
man Delegation thinks it desirable that the deliberations of the Com-
mission should likewise include an examination of the question of the
manner in which the Allied and Associated Governments might assist
Germany in the solution of these problems. The question arises, for
instance, of supplying against re-payment complete sets of clothing
(underclothing and civilian clothing), and footwear for the prisoners
before their despatch.
I avail [etc.]                          BROCKDORFF-RANTZAU


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