COMPLAINTS ABOUT STALAG VIIIA FOOD PARCELS FOR PRISONERS

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24389, 16 October 1944, Page 6

COMPLAINTS ABOUT STALAG VIIIA

FOOD PARCELS FOR PRISONERS

RED CROSS DELEGATE’S REPORT '

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, October 14. Several complaints were made to the German authorities following a visit of a representative of the International Red Cross to Stalag VIIIA, states a bulletin from the Prisoners of War Inquiry Office. There had been no improvement in the barracks since the, last visit, water was t often lacking, rations to heavy workers were not issued in the proper manner, and there were complaints of vermin in the camp. At the time of the visit there were more than 23,000 prisoners at the camp, amongst whom were 652 New Ze|landers.

Since the last visit of the delegate there had been no. appreciable change in the camp organisation. Water pressure was insufficient. The prescribed rations were posted in the kitchen, and it was possible for the representative to check supplies. Representatives of detachments had often complained that the rations for heavy workers were allotted according to output and hot according to time worked. (The Prisoners of War Inquiry Office states that this rule applies in a number of camps.)

- The canteen functioned normally. The equipment of the infirmary and two convalescent barracks was sufficient for requirements, and doctors had no complaints to make on this subject. The report states that the detention barracks were overcrowded, particularly as certain prisoners had to. await trial, or after trial, await transfer. This fnanifest error the delegate-pointed out to the camp authorities.

♦ “ SITUATION MORE DIFFICULT” (P.A.) AUCKLAND, October 14. “It is fully known' and recognised that the situation regarding the delivery of food parcels to various camps in Germany is becoming more difficult,” said Mr J. Abel, Dominion chairman of the Prisoners of War Inquiry Office, when asked in Auckland to-day to comment on an Australian newspaper report that only an armistice in 1944 would save prisoners of war from existing on semi-starvation rations.* Anticipating that deliveries of parcels would become more difficult, the British Red Cross war organisation, he said, as a precautionary measure, after consultations with the British Government, had requested the International Red Cross Committee to instruct camp' leaders in Germany to reduce the rate of issue of food parcels to one a man each two weeks.

This decision had been taken in view of the interruption in transport to Geneva and to ensure the best use of the supplies already in camps and in Geneva.

Reports, from Stockholm stated that British Red Cross parcels were, in fpture, to pass through Sweden. The use of this new route had resulted from efforts initiated by the Red Cross and others because of the possibility that the.course of the war would interrupt Lisbon, Marseilles, and Switzerland traffic for considerable periods. Advice frbm London in September showed that there were about five weeks’ supplies of food and parcels in prisoner of war camps. »

Rationed Foods.—The attention of all persons receiving additional allowances of rationed foods for medical reasons is drawn to the fact that these allowances all expire with the current ration book at the end of the month. Those who are affected and wish to continue drawing allowances are advised to secure new medical certificates or, have their old certificates endorsed before making. application to the Rationing Officer for special coupons. In future it will be necessary for this to be done at three-monthly intervals.