OUR MEN IN GERMAN PRISONS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2407, 12 March 1915, Page 5

OUR MEN IN GERMAN PRISONS

GLIMPSE OF-THEIR LIFE ; London, March 10. A "Times" correspondent, who visited the prisoners in a camp in Germany, learned that _ all prisoners are placed in a-quarantine pen. for a month, and then drafted to other pens. A fence 7ft. high, surmounted by barb wire, surrounded buildings, accommodating 250 men, and heated by coke stoves. The mattresses were filled with shavings, and the blankets were scanty. The prisoners were using great coats as coverlets. The breakfast was of coffee and bread; at midday the men got a bowl of meat and potato soup and black bread,. and in the evening bread and potatoes. It was impossible .to purchase extras except soap, brushes, towels, and German dictionaries. The latter were ridicuously cheap—3d. each. An officer explained: "We want the English aud French to learn our language so as to understand us better." The clothing of many of the prisoners was ili a pitiable state. The men are permitted to write a postcard weekly. - The officer intimated that the prisoners would be employed ill planting crops in the spring, and added thoughtfully: "No doubt they will be with us for the harvest."—"Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.

RELEASE AND EXCHANGE OF CIVILIANS, r

London, Jfarch 10. The Hon. N. Primrose, tlnder-Secre-tary for Foreign Affairs, speaking in tho House of Commons, said that in deference to the Pope's desire Germany had decided 'to release slid exchange all civilian invalids. .

(Rec. March 11, 10.45 p.m.)

London, March 11

Referring to the treatment of war prisoners Mr. Primrose said there was an inclination -to exaggerate the harshness of the treatment of prisoners in Germany, Our woundtfd men were well treated, but their treatment on the battlefield and in transit to Germany was harsh in many cases. There was reason to hope that Germany would accept, the Government's suggestion under which an officer of the American Embassy would keep in touch with our prisoners.