LETTERS TO WAR PRISONERS

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23352, 11 June 1941, Page 6

LETTERS TO WAR PRISONERS

Minister’s Advice (P.A.) WELLINGTON, June 10. In a recent newspaper report from the official waj; correspondent with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, it was stated'that Colonel F. Waite, the Patriotic Fund Commissioner, advised persons in New Zealand to dispatch to the base post office, Middle East, any letters which they desired to send to soldiers believed to be prisoners of war. _ The Postmaster-General (the Hon. P. C. Webb) emphasises that if this is done, the letters sent must conform to the provisions relating to communication with prisoners of war. For instance, there must be no mention in the address of the soldier’s unit. The letter must not exceed one sheet of ordinary notepaper. The writer’s address must be shown on the cover, as well as on the letter itself. The address must be written in ink, and the letter must not contain any military or other information likely to be useful to the enemy. If these requirements are not complied with, letters are likely to be stopped. Full information regardjh\g. copnrnunication with prisoners, of 'war is 'aVaifebltf atprin&pai office^. The Minister advises the writers to address letters merely as follows;—“ Prisoner of war post,” “Kriegsgefangenenpost.” 00261, Gunner J. Blank, believed prisoner of war. Letters so addressed will be dispatched by the New Zealand Post Office, the o remaininig particulars in the address being filled in when they become available. ; __