N.Z. WAR PRISONERS

Grey River Argus, 18 March 1942, Page 1

N.Z. WAR PRISONERS

NOW ABOUT 6,000. P.A. WELLINGTON, March 17. The total number of New Zealand war prisoners on the files is now 5,995, being Army 5,748, 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. The International Red Cross in Geneva had advised the Prisoners of War Inquiry Office that it is making full inquiries for survivors of H.M.S. “Neptune,” which had more than 100 New Zealand personnel on board when she was sunk in the Mediterranean, 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 and when any New Zealand prisoners are located. A letter from Stalag Luft II says: “The Red Cross seems to be well organised in IJew Zealand. We get 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. Wo Now Zealanders are rather the envy of the camp. We asked if it would bo possible to send a couple of Rugby balls, and the office is endeavouring to have these sent to camps where New Zealanders are established.” Another letter from the same camp says that all the New 1 Zealand men pool the general mail, and mail day furnishes a subject of discussion of many hours. A Prisoner of War Inquiry Office statement this week mentions the matter of the provision of study and text books. Next-of-kin must produce a request for books from the prisoner. When satisfied of the merits of the case, the office will make the necessav 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 by the bookseller, and Prisoner of War Inquiry Office.