PRISONERS OF WAR

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23350, 9 June 1941, Page 8

PRISONERS OF WAR

ADVICE GIVEN TO RELATIVES LETTERS AND PARCELS (From the Official War Correspondent with the N.Z.E.F.) CAIRO, June 7. . Advicerto relatives of New Zealand soldiers now prisoners of war is contained in a statement prepared by the Patriotic Fund Commissioner (Colonel the Hon. F. Waite). He emphasises that the problems arising from the cap. ture of these men will take considerable time to deal with.

“When the Greek situation developed, I made arrangements with the British Red Cross and the St. John organisation in Cairo to do all that was permitted for the relief of prisoners of war. We have compiled a fairly complete list of missing men, but until definite notification comes from the enemy that an individual is a prisoner, and has arrived at a definite prisoner of war camp, we can send him neither letters nor necessities. “It takes a month at least for this news to get through to us. ’ First the prisoner has,to be transported to the camp. Then notification comes from the enemy country, through Geneva to London or Cairo. With so many interruptions in the transport systems of all European countries, the passage of prisoners and notifications by letter and telegram take time. As soon as notification is received of definite arrivals at enemy prison camps we can forward letters and parcels. “We have made arrangements for standard parcels, containing articles suitable to each country, to be dispatched to our boys as soon as we know where they are. In all these matters we are receiving the fullest assistance and , co-operation from the Cairo headquarters of the war organisation of the British Red Cross Society, and the Order of St, John of Jerusalem. „ “In the meantime, it would be better to send to the base post office, Cairo, any letters for New Zealanders taken prisoner in the Middle East. We could then see that they. are forwarded at the earliest opportunity. “As for parcels, it is extremely desirable that , relatives and friends should not send any until they are notified officially. We have made arrangements for standard parcels suitable for the conditions in the camp where a man is held. If friends in New Zealand flood us with parcels they will almost certainly strain the transport arrangements to breaking point, as previously happened in the western area, through Portugal and Spain. ’ “I know people in New Zealand will be anxious, but we will do all we can to alleviate the discomforts of those of our comrades unfortunate enough to have: been: taken prisoner. We have money - available here, and have made all the, necessary arrangements, but we must -have patience until the lists come in from;the enemy.”