The Celtic League have written to the Italian and German Embassies about the use of prisoners of war from those countries in munitions dumping operations in South West Scotland shortly after World War 2.

New research by the League uncovered the fact that during the early years of the dumping operation (from 1945 - 1947) prisoners of war were used as forced labour at the site.

In the correspondence to the Italian Embassy (copied to the German Ambassador) the League point out that the use of POWs in this way probably contravened the Geneva Convention (Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War. Geneva, 27 July 1929).

Any of those involved still living may be able to seek redress against the British government:

"The Ambassador Giancarlo Aragona Embassy of Italy 144 Three Kings Yard London W1K 4EH United Kingdom 21 Apr. 09

Dear Ambassador Aragona,

The Celtic League as part of our monitoring of the environment has for a number of years been carrying out research into the disposal, in the years after the Second World War, of munitions (both explosive and chemicals) in sea areas around the Celtic countries.

Much of this sea-borne disposal was carried out from ports in Northern England and South West Scotland, including Cairnryan (north of Stranraer) which was the main port for sea disposals.

The work commenced in 1945 and was carried on for three decades.

My point in writing to you is that I understand from our latest research that in the period from 1945 – 1947 both Italian and German prisoners of war were utilised as labour for this work.

Prisoners of War in the custody of belligerents in Europe in WW 11 were subject to guarantees in relation to their treatment provided under the Geneva Convention (Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War. Geneva, 27 July 1929).

The work at Cairnryan was dangerous and particularly (given that chemical weapons were also disposed of) hazardous. In one instance for example a train on the pier side waiting to off load munitions exploded). Several persons were killed during the entirety of the operation and a number injured (although it is unclear if any of these incidents occurred in the 1945 – 47 period when POW labour was utilised)

However, the 1929 Geneva Convention which should have been applied to these men does specifically preclude (Chapter 3 - Prohibited work – Art 32) work of this nature. This being so there clearly was a breach of international law in relation to these men and despite the fact that very few will still be alive the circumstances of the situation should be looked into so that if there is any legal action that they (or your government) may wish to pursue against the British Government it can be initiated.

I am sending similar correspondence to the German Ambassador because (as indicated above) German POWs were also used in this hazardous work.

Yours sincerely"

Related article about recent research on Beaufort Dyke munitions dumping here:

(voir le site)

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

25/04/09

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