THE INHUMANE HUNS

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 5000, 15 October 1918, Page 5

THE INHUMANE HUNS

MALTREATMENT OF BRITISH PRISONERS. DEMAND FOR REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES. REFUSAL WILL LEAD TO REPRISALS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association and Eeutcr’s. (Received October 14 9.20 p.m.) LONDON, October 13. The, Press Bureau has issued a statement by the Inter-Departmenta.l Committee on War Prisoners, . announcing the receipt of Germany's refusal to ratify the Anglo-German prisoners’ agreement unless guarantees were given against deportation or internment of Germans in China.

The statement proceeds to say: The Government is determined to take drastic measures against the continued maltreatment of. British war prisoners behind the lines and in salt mines elsewhere and accordingly demands that Germany redress these grievances, in particularly—(l). That she immediately removes prisoners to not less than thirty kilometres behind the firing line.

(2). Affords proper humane treatment to prisoners in occupied terristories elsewhere.

(3). Permits the Netherlands representatives to inspect the occupied territory behind the lines with a view to ascertaining if the grievances have been redressed.

(4) "Undertakes that no prisoners henceforth be employed in salt mines. (5) Carries out the articles of the recent Hague agreement containing a humane code of treatment of prisoners. Germany has been notified that unless within four weeks these requirements are accepted Britain will, in concert with her Allies, take such reprisals as are deemed' necessary to compel Germany to treat prisoners in—accordance with international law and the practice of civilised nations. Xn any case Britain will hold Germany responsible for the unlawful and inhumane treatment of prisoners and take all steps in her power to ensure that the persons responsible for the outrages will be punished. The nature of further reprisals which may be taken will be considered in consultation with the other Allies and steps are also being taken to secure better treatment of prisoners in Turkish hands. Instructions have been sent to General Allenby that in the event of an armistice with Turkey the immediate and unconditional return of prisoners should he required.