PRISONERS OF WAR

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 November 1943, Page 4

PRISONERS OF WAR

CONDITIONS IN JAPAN

WELLINGTON, Nov. 20.

The Prisoners of War Inquiry has received advice from the International Red Cross to the effect that Prince Shimadzu, who is Vice-President of the Japanese Red Cross, journeyed by the relief ship Teia Maru in order to discuss pending Red Cross problems, concerning prisoners of war and civilian internees, and also in regard to distribution of Red Cross relief cargo of foods, medicines etc. The discussion was to take place with the Red Cross delegates of Shanghai and Hong Kong, and with the Japanese Red Cross authorities, where there are no Red Cross delegates functioning. The Red Cross delegate in Japan advises that correspondence from the principal and annexe camps averaged a postcard a month since May, 1943. In two of the camps visited, three days a month rest was allow’ed, and prisoners worked for eight hours a day and were paid standard rates, with a bonus up to five sen a day for qualified workers.

Headquarters are very anxious to receive copies of letters from Italian camps in August or early September. The International Red Cross advises that the British officers previously located in Italy have been transferred to German camps Oflag XIIB at Hadamar, and Oflag VA at Weinsberg Prisoners, other than officers, have been, transferred to Stalag VIII. 8., Stalag XVIII. A., and Stalag XVIII. C. Even though prisoner of war numbers have been allotted to most of the prisoners concerned, only addresses to be regarded as permanent are Oflag XII. 8., and Stalag VIII. 8., and mail for prisoners located at any of the other camps, mentioned should still be addressed C/o. High Commissioner, 415 Strand, London.