ADVICE RE PRISONERS

Evening Star, Issue 25003, 23 October 1943, Page 4

ADVICE RE PRISONERS

ARRANGEMENTS TO MEET REPATRIATES TWO GERMAN CAMPS FOR ITALY TRANSFEREES (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 22. With reference to recent cables from London that a steamer with repatriated prisoners of war, including New Zealanders, is expected to arrive at Barcelona on Tuesday next, the Prisoners of War Inquiry Office headquarters at Wellington advises next of kin that it is quite unnecessary to communicate with the offices at this stage for information. The lied Cross Commissioner in the Middle East has been instructed by cable to make full arrangements to 'meet the requirements of the repatriates the moment they land. . The Inquiry Office also advises that the Government will inform next of kin of the prisoners involved immediately the names are made available and finally checked. Cabled advice has been received in London to the effect that the German authorities have established two transit camps known as Oflag XII. B and Oflag XX, which are to be used for prisoners of war transferred from Italy. Where prisoners are known to have been transferred to one of these camps the next of kin will be advised by Base Records as to the method of addressing correspondence. A representative of the International Red Cross visited Stalag Luft VI. in the middle of September. There were approximately 2,000 in the camp, including 88 New Zealanders.. The accommodation was stated to be cramped the food rations' normal, and controlled by the Britsih representative, the clothing suitable, and the representative distributes various, gfts which, the report states, will need to be increased on account of the number of prisoners being transferred to this camp. Medicaments and surgical instruments were sufficient for needs, and the general state of the camp's health was excellent. Religious services, a library and a small orchestra were available, but the accommodation for study courses was insufficient.