LETTERS TO PRISONERS

Evening Star, Issue 23908, 11 June 1941, Page 4

LETTERS TO PRISONERS

FURTHER ADVICE OH PROCEDURE (P.A.) WELLINGTON, June 10. In a recent newspaper report from the official war correspondent with the N.Z.E.F. it was stated that Colonel h. Waite, Patriotic Fund Commissioner, advised persons in New Zealand to despatch to the base post office in the Middle East any letters which they desired to send to soldiers believed to be prisoners of war. The Postmaster-General (Hon. P. C. Webb) emphasises that if this course is followed the letters sent must conform to the provisions relating to communications with prisoners of war. For instance, there must be no mention in the address of the soldier’s unit. The letter must not exceed one sheet of ordinary notepaper, and the writer’s address must be shown on the cover ns well as on the letter itself. The address must be written in ink, and the letter must not contain any military or other information likely to be useful to the enemy. If these requirements are not complied with letters are likely to be stopped. Full information regarding communication with prisoners of war is available at the principal post offices. , The Minister advises writers to address their letters merely as follows: “ Prisoner of War Post, Kriegsgefangenenpost, 00261 Gunner J. Blank, believed prisoner of war.” Letters so addressee! will be despatched by the New Zealand Post Office, the remaining particulars in the address being filled in when they become available.