PRISONERS OF WAR

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22908, 3 January 1940, Page 3

PRISONERS OF WAR

HUMANE TREATMENT ■) TO OBE ACCORDED

BELLIGERENTS’ AGREEMENT (MOH. OTJB OWN COBBBSPONDENT.) LONDON, November 20. It ia hoped that, as the result of the International Convention signed m Geneva in 1929, by which all the present belligerents are bound, the treatment of prisoners of war wiU' be much more humarie than in the last war. The convention-was based on the experience' of :the dast’.war, and : i£ observed faithfully Will prevent the> repetition of many hardships and disabili- * British, French, and German Bed Gross; representatives have the question at the Geneva headquarters of the International Bed Cross Committee. There was no doubt of the sincerity of the intention of all three that the conditions of the conation should not only he observed but improved in practice, so far as- it is in their power to influence matters. of; War, ■Riirpflux have oeen set up in all-tne behfgerent capitals. Under the terms of the convention reasonable stand ards of living and comfort _ are stipulated and reprisals ■ are forbidden. _ - Prisoners will not be forced to give more information than name, - rank, Md number. ' Personal property will be left with 'them. Within eight days of arrival,’.the prisoner may. send a nnstcard home announcing his captime and'state of health. He can send letters and money home, periodically, and receive parcels of food free of customs duty, and clothing carriage free. , ■■■ ‘ '■ • , , ■ ■ Treatment of Wounded : Books may he sent to prisoners from their home country, subject to censorship if addressed individually. Becoghised societies may send collections of booksvuncensored. - . . . .■ The' Red ‘ Cross authorities, it is reported, do not see why prisoners should, not be allowed time for their own improvement, xne S-should be a college. If prisoners want technical training of any , sort, fM* :to take up any particular study, they should have men will be valuable to the world after' the war. with ’ regard to severely wounded prisoners,-, mixed medi(ffll v may advise their transfer, either to neutral countries or direct to their homes ’There: are hopes that .all wounded prisoners who. , are judged unable to fight for a year will be sent - I °The' a e^qhange - of .interned persons buH wounded will, it.>is expected# be greatl* ;