WAR PRISONERS IN GERMANY

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23446, 29 September 1941, Page 6

WAR PRISONERS IN GERMANY

* TWO CAMPS VISITED ACCOMMODATION SAID TO BE COMFORTABLE tP.A.) WELLINGTON, September 27. “The High Commissioher, Mr W. J. Jordan, has forwarded me a report received from Lieutenant-Colonel W. Tod, representative of the International Red Cross, who visited the German prison camp, Oflag VB, on July 19,” said the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser), in a statement to-day. “This is an officers’ camp at which 81 New Zealanders captured in Greece were imprisoned at the date of Lieutenant-Colonel Tod’s visit. The total strength of the camp is 950 officers and orderlies, which includes as well as New Zealanders, Australians, Canadians, Africans, Hindus, Irish, Scottish, and English. “The report states that the men are lodged in some 10 stone barracks which are comfortable, well lit, and airy. The officers have beds in two tiers and are issued with linen and two blankets. Food is issued in a raw condition and kitchens are provided to cook meals. There is a canteen where lemonade and cigarettes are sold. Beer is available, but sales are limited to two bottles a month to each man requiring it. Medical officers and orderlies are attached to the camp and an Anglican chaplain who is a prisoner officiates regularly. The report adds that personal parcels and clothing from the British Red Cross have been received but that up to the time of the visit, food parcels had not come to hand. Advice received from Mr Jordan on September 19 indicated, however, that food parcels had arrived at the camp on July 24 and they have gone in regularly since. - The delay in the dispatch of these food parcels was due solely to the fact that notification that the men were prisoners was not sent by the German authorities to Geneva until mid-July. According to the British Red Cross, 6434 food parcels and 294 tobacco parcels were sent from Geneva to Oflag VB between July 12 and August 11. Mr Jordan also forwarded a report he had received regarding Stalag 18D, which, it is understood, is a transit camp. This camp was visited on July 21 and again on August 25. It contains 4320 British soldiers, including 183 New Zealanders. These men were captured in Greece and Crete. The camp is partly barracks, partly canvas, and although not fully completed, the accommodation is stated to be adequate and comfortable. The morale of the men is stated to be high, and their health generally is good, while medical arrangements are satisfactory. “At the time the second report was made,” Mr Fraser concluded, "Red Cross food parcels had been received, and arrangements have now been completed for supply to the camp of books, games, towels, and toilet articles.”