LAST-MINUTE HITCH

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 9, 6 October 1941, Page 7

LAST-MINUTE HITCH

Exchange Of Sick And Wounded Prisoners (Jtrilisu Official Wlreles'Sj (Received October 5, 7.5 p.m.) RUGBY, October 4. Because of a further message received from Berlin it has been found necessary io postpone the repatriation of sick and wounded prisoners due to start tomorrow. The Government is in touch with the German Government and it is hoped that it will be possible to make a rurtber statement soon. At a late stage lu the negotiations the German Government drew attention to the fact that there were fewer German sick and wounded prisoners of war who were eligible to be repatriated than there were British, in consequence Germany has asked His Majesty’s Government to agree to include in exchange a number of German civilian internees- The German Government added, however, that it bad no intention of making the granting of the request al) indispensable vondiiion for the repatriation of prisoners of war. Tlie British Government informed the German Government that ;n pursuance of its previously declared policy it reaffirmed its readiness to agree to the mutual repatriation of British and German women and children and men over military age, and that further, as a token of its intention, it would be prepared to send with the returning sick and wounded prisoners of war a first batch of some 60 German civilian internees.

Last night, however, the German Government stated it would require further time to consider the British reply and meanwhile it was not prepared to proceed with the exchange of prisoners of war as previously arranged. if a satisfactory answer is not received by tomorrow morning the German prisoners on board the hospital ships at Newhavei. will be disembarked. Report Discredited. A report that the last-minute bitch was caused by German insistence on the repatriation of Rudolf Hess is discredited by authoritative circles in London. A spokesman said that there laid lieen no request for individuals. It is certain categories which are being exchanged. The Germans began to embark on the hospital ships Dinard and Saint Julien at Newhaven at dusk. A naval officer called, "Switch on the light,” and the two ships sprang into sharp relief in what was probably the greatest concentration of light in Britain for two years. Walking cases went aboard first, including airmen and members of captured U-boat crews. Some were on crutches and others had wooden legs. Two blinded men were led by limping comrades. Many were smiling happy, but others were obviously past caring how or when the war ended. Only a few appeared at all arrogant. Two airmen cried "Heil Hitler” and gave tire Nazi salute as they stepped aboard.

Loading of the ships ceased before midnight. On receipt of the message from Berlin all lights were, switched off and military guards were posted on the darkened quays.

Among the Germans to be exchanged were fifty women from the internment camp on the Isle of Mau.