"STILL OBSCURE"

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 229, 27 September 1941, Page 6

"STILL OBSCURE"

NEW SYSTEM NEEDED

CONTACT WITH PRISONERS

"I regret to report that notwithstanding the efforts of the executive and the Joint secretaries, the general procedure affecting the association of our organisation,with prisoners of war is still somewhat obscure," said Sir Ernest Davis, chairman of the Auckland Provincial Joint Committee of the Order of St. John and the New Zealand Red Cross, at a meeting of the committee last night. "From the information which has been made available to me, it is clear that a complete understanding between the Government and the Joint council in Wellington is a first essential to clarification/' continued Sir Ernest, "and a definite arrangement between New Zealand and the authorities in Geneva is also an urgent necessity. Rcipreseatatlve Required "The intimate knowledge that I have of the subject has forced me to the conclusion that real progress can only be made by the appointment of a special representative of the New Zealand Joint Council In Geneva. This would enable the Dominion to keep in touch with all the developments by an official -who thoroughly Understood New Zealand's requirements, and who, at the same time, would be right on the spot to collect all the information that could be obtained.from the official sources at international headquarters. Moreover, decisions could be made imme-' diately. without passing through the circuitous' routes which lead to so much unnecessary delay." Sir Ernest remarked that the position was in a way understandable, as the upset of the general war effort and hasty preparations had interfered with the setting up of <an efficient organisation. However, the way was now clear and every effort should.be made to straighten out the organisation and not impede with destructive criticism. Prisoners , Needs Concern was expressed by members at the delay in supplying clothing to New Zealand prisoners of war in Germany, particularly with the approach of the European winter. After discussion in committee, it was decided to urge the immediate purchase of supplies in England. It was reported that reserves of food parcels could now be established in prison camps. This would provide against shortages owing to interruptions iu transit. Arrangements were also being made for special labels for parcels to be sent to prison camps to be Issued to next of Kin. It was now possible for tobacco and cigarettes to be forwarded from England.