WAR NEWS IN BRIEF

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 October 1942, Page 6

WAR NEWS IN BRIEF

CHAINING OF PRISONERS

LONDON, October 18.

The Germans have not yet replied to the British offer not to fetter German prisoners of war if the Germans do not fetter British prisoners, says the diplomatic correspondent of “The Times.” It is understood that the British Government is disregarding the German High Command document. This document reveals more clearly than hitherto the ulterior German motives. It has two main purposes—hatred against Britain and the use of these allegations for a wide threat against Allied prisoners of war. ENGLISHWOMAN ARRESTED STOCKHOLM, October 19. An Englishwoman, Baroness von Stackelberg, who was recently arrested and charged with informing the British Legation at Helsinki of German troop movements, is reported to be ill in the State prison, at Helsinki. Her husband is serving with the Finnish Army. LATER.

Baroness von Stackelberg was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment. CRUELTY TO PRISONERS (Recd. 11 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 20. The Berlin radio, quoting German officials on the chainings of prisoners, said the British thus far have given no reason why the German measures should be withdrawn. WASHINGTON, October 20. Japanese threats to execute captured American airmen are, according to Washington officials, primarily intended to bolster Japanese morale. Officials point out that revenge and cruelty have always been important factors in Japanese psychology. FRAU HESS (Recd. 11 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 20. No request has been received from Frau Hess to be allowed* to join her husband, Rudolf Hess, who is being treated as a prisoner of war, and receiving appropriate treatment. This statement was made in the House of Commons by Mr Law, Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs, in reply to questions. Mr Law added that even if Frau Hess made such a request, there was no question of granting such facilities, for which there was provision in the Prisoners of War Convention.