SURVIVORS FROM CRUISER

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23588, 16 March 1942, Page 6

SURVIVORS FROM CRUISER

GENEVA RED CROSS INQUIRING ADVICE RECEIVED IN DOMINION (P.A.t WELLINGTON. March 14. The International Red Cross tn Geneva has advised the Prisoners of War Inquiry Office that it is making full inquiries for survivors of H.M S. Neptune, which had more tnan 100 New Zealand personnel on board when she was sunk in the Mediterranean. and that it is endeavouring to obtain full particulars of the names oi any New Zealand prisoners of war in the Middle East. . .. The office has asked for information from Geneva as to whether any clothing or other articles will be required in the East if and when any New Zealand prisoners are located. The total number of prisoners on the files is now 5995, being: Army 5748, Air Force 124. Navy 7, merchant seamen and civilians 26. miscellaneous 23. The number of unofficial cases is 67. To date four New Zealand prisoners of war in Japan have been officially notified. T ~ „ A letter from Stalag Luft II says. "The Red Cross seems to be well organised in New Zealand. We get a parcel every week, and New Zealand House. London, has sent us each a clothing parcel, a games parcel, with jigsaws and cards, books, and three parcels each of 150 cigarettes. We New Zealanders are rather the envy of the camp. We asked if it would be possible to send a couple of Rugby balls, and the office is endeavouring for these to be sent to camps where New Zealanders are established.” Another letter from the same camp says that all the New Zealand men pool the general mail, and mail day furnishes a subject of discussion of many hours. A Prisoner of War Inquiry Office statement this week mentions the matter of the provision of study and text books. Next-of-kin must produce a request for books from the prisoner. When satisfied as to the merits of the case, the office will make the ne'cessary provision for the sending of the books, provided they are obtainable. Where the next-of-kin are not themselves in a position to purchase these books, it is possible for the office to assist. Next-of-kin cannot themselves forward any books which are at present in their possession. Study books must be new, and handled only by the bookseller, and Prisoners of War Inquiry Office.