CAUSE OF THE HITCH

Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 84, 6 October 1941, Page 7

CAUSE OF THE HITCH

GERMAN REQUEST

INCLUSION OF CIVILIANS

RUGBY, October 4. At' a late stage in 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 asked his Majesty's Government to agree to include in exchange a number of German civilian internees. The German Government added, however, that it had no intention of making the granting of the request an indispensable condition for the repatriation of prisoners of war. The British Government informed the German Government that in 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 that 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 sbhips at Newhaven will be disembarked. RUMOUR ABOUT HESS. A report that the last-minute hitch was caused by German insistence on the repatriation of Rudolf Hess is discredited by authoritative circles in London. A spokesman said that there had been no request for individuals; it was certain categories which were being exchanged, he said. 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, 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 the 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 50 women from the internment camp on the Isle of Man.—B.O.W.