N.Z. PRISONERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 77, 27 September 1941, Page 11

N.Z. PRISONERS

GERMAN CAMPS

REPORTS TO MR. FRASER

MEN'S MORALE HIGH

Conditions under which New Zealand prisoners of war are living in two German prison camps are described in reports the Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) has received through the High Commissioner for New Zealand in the United Kingdom (Mr. Jordan). Mr. Fraser quoted these reports in a statement he made this afternoon.

"The High Commissioner (Mr. Jordan) has forwarded to me a repoct received from Lieutenant-Colonel W. Tod, representative of the International Red Cross, who visited the German prison camp Oflag V.B on July 19 last,", said Mr. Fraser. "This is an officers' camp at which 81 New Zealanders captured in Greece were imprisoned at the date of Colonel Tod's visit... The total strength of the camp is 950 officers and orderlies, which includes, as well as the ' New Zealanders, Australians, Canadians, Africans, Hindus, Irish, Scottish, and English.

"The report states/that the men are lodged in some ten 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 the meals. There is a canteen where lemonade and cigarettes are sold. Beer is available, but sales are limited to two bottles per month for 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 had been received, but that up to the time of the visit, July 19, food parcels had not come to hand. Advice received from Mr. Jordan on September 15 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 had not been 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 V.B. between July 12 and August 11."

A TRANSIT CAMP

"Mr. Jordan Las also forwarded a report he has received regarding Stalag XVIII D, 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 and 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 good, while the 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 the supply to the camp of books, games, towels, and toilet articles."