PRISONERS OF WAR

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 March 1942, Page 6

PRISONERS OF WAR

NEPTUNE SURVIVORS

WELLINGTON, , March 14

The International Red Cross in Geneva had advised the Prisoners oi War Inquiry Office that it is making full inquiries for survivors of H.M.S. Neptune, which had more than too New Zealand personnel on board when she was sunk in' the Mecffiertanean, and that it is endeavouring to obtain full particulars of the names of any New Zealand prisoners of war in the Middle East. The office had asked for information from Geneva as to whether any clothing or other articles will be required in the East if ano when any New Zealand prisoners are located. The total number of prisoners on the files is now 5995, being Army 5748, Air Force 124, Navy 7, merchant seamen and civilians 26, miscellaneous 23. The number of unofficial cases is 67. To date, four New Zealand prisoners of war in Japan have been officially notified. A’letter from Stalag Luft II says: “The Red Cross seems to be well organised in New Zealand. We gel a parcel every week, and New Zealand House,’London, has sent us each a clothing parcel, a games parcel, with jigsaws and cards, books, and three parcels each of 150 cigarettes. We New Zealanders are rather. the envy of the camp. We asked if d would be possible to send a couple of Rugby balls, and the'- office is endeavouring to have these sent co camps where New Zealanders are established.” Another letter from the same camp says that all the New Zealand men npol the general mail, and mail day furnishes a subject ol discussion 'of many hours. A Prisoner of War Inquiry Office statement this week mentions me matter of the provision of study ana text books. Next-of-kin must produce a request for books from the prisoner. . When satisfied of the merits ol the ease, the office will, make the necessary provision for the sending of the books provided they are obtainable. Where the next-of-kin are not themselves in a position to purchase these books, it is possible for the office to assist. Next-of-kin cannot themselves forward any books which are at. present in their possession. Study books must be new, and handled only oy the bookseller, and Prisoners of War Inquiry Office. ITALIAN NEGLECT. WELLINGTON. March 15. Although some ol the New Zealand soldiers invalided from Libya, who recently returned home, say the Germans treated the men who had fallen into their hands as well as prisoners in the circumstances could expect to be treated, they do not say the same of the Italians. One man said, however, that ill-treatment was often tne lot of prisoners, because the Germans do not hold prisoners lor long, passing them back to the Italians, rhe food given bv the Italians was baa, and cases of'wounded and sick men being left unattended Wvre numerous. Sometimes they received only what attention their comrades could give.