of those such as Le Rossignol who were presumed to have talents useful to the
German war machine;
Prisoners of War Department,
Downing Street, January 26
th , 1917.
Sir,
I am directed by Lord Newton
64 to transmit to you, herewith, to be laid before the Army Council, a copy of a note
from the United States Ambassador with regard to the
employment of British civilian prisoners of war in
Germany.
Lord Newton is of the opinion that, in view of the fact
that enemy civilian prisoners of war are being invited
to volunteer for work in this country, His Majesty’s
Government are not in a position to raise any objection
to British civilians volunteering to work in Germany.
In so informing Mr. Page,
65 Lord Newton proposes to state
that it must be understood that British civilians must
not accept any invitation to take part in, or resume a
former occupation connected with the production of
explosives or other war material…
A similar letter has been sent to the Ministry of
Munitions and the Home Office. I am Sir, your most obedient, humble, servant.
Robt. Vansittart
Just a week earlier, the Home Office had finally made its position regarding
Robert’s employment quite clear in a letter to the Prisoners of War
Department dated 18 January 1917, which was largely in agreement with the
guidelines issued by Lord Newton;
Home Office, Whitehall.
January 18
th , 1917.
14 Robert’s War 1914–1918
297