ITALIAN WAR PRISONERS

Evening Star, Issue 25172, 11 May 1944, Page 5

ITALIAN WAR PRISONERS

FORMATION OF LABOUR BATTALIONS IN BRITAIN RUGBY, May 9. Italian volunteers for the war effort in Britain are to be organised into labour battalions and staffed, so far as is available, by Italian officers and n.c.o.'s, but under the command of British officers, states a War Office official. These battalions will be employed in work of national importance as may be required. In many oases this will be work they are at present doing, as agriculture, forestry, etc. Their employment in a combatant capacity is not at present envisaged. They will no longer be escorted by British military personnel when going to and from work, or while working. British guards and sentries will be withdrawn from cainps. The Italians will be largely responsible for their own administration and maintenance of good order ,\ They will not be allowed to enter shops, public houses, cinemas, restaurants, or use public transport except for the purpose of going to and from work. Some restriction on their relations with the civilian population will still be maintained. They will be allowed to exercise outside camps within prescribed limits based on the foregoing considerations, as well as upon those of national security

In addition, special arrangements are being made to provide -cinema shows, concerts, and entertainments in camps and to enable the men of one battalion to communicate with those of another. They will carry special identity cards and will wear a distinctive uniform and cap. .