GERMAN PRISON GAMPS

Evening Star, Issue 24002, 29 September 1941, Page 5

GERMAN PRISON GAMPS

SATISFACTORY REPORTS FROM VISITORS (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 27. The High Commissioner, Mr Jordan, has forwarded me a report received from Lieutenant-colonel W. Tod, representative of the International Red Cross, who visited the German prison camp Oflag VB on July 19 last,” said the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, in . a statement to-day. “ This is ail officers’ camp, at which SI New Zealanders captured in Greece are imprisoned. At the date of Colonel Tod’e visit the total strength of the camp was 950 officers and orderlies, who include as well as New Zealanders, Australians, Canadians, Africans, Hindoos, Irish, Scottish, and English.” The report states that the men are lodged in some 10 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 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 to 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 have been received, but that up to the time of the visit the food parcels had not come to hand. “ Advice received from Mr Jordan on September lo indicated, however, that food parcels had arrived at the. camp on July 24, and they had gone in regularly since. The delay in the despatch of these food parcels was due solely to the fact that notification that the men were prisoners bad not been sent by the German authorities to Geneva until mid-July. “ According to the British Red Cross, 6,434 food parcels and 294 tobacco parcels were sent from Geneva to Oflag V.'B. between July 12 and August 11. Mr Jordan also forwarded a report that he had received regarding Stalag 18D, which, it is understood, is a transit camp. This camp was visited on July 21 and again on August 25. It contains 4,320 British soldiers, including IS3 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 hooks, games, towels, and toilet articles” .