News of Missing Soldiers

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 209, 3 September 1941, Page 2

News of Missing Soldiers

SPEED-UP SUGGESTED AUCKLAND, Sept. 1. The fact that the relatives of many missing soldiers “believed to be prisoners of war” are becoming desperate at ; official delays in providing confirmation J was stressed yesterday by Airs. J. D. | Derig, Secretary of the Alount Eden ! branch of the Red Cross Society. Airs. | Derig said a two-way official cable comj munication weekly should be established between New Zealand, and a Dominion representative who should be appointed in Geneva, headquarters of the International Red Cross Committee. I Commenting on a statement that one i mother spent £2 7b 9d on a pre-paid ! cablegram to the Red Cross at Geneva j to obtain advice concerning her son, who had been reported missing and believed to be a prisoner of war, Mrs. Derig said that many similar cabled messages were being sent, the costs amounting up to £4 5s a«w.£4 15s. , At present, delays were occurring through advices concerning prisoners being sent by air mail to New Zealand, j said Airs. Derig. Relatives of members I of the forces deserved the utmost con- ! sideration, and a two-way cable service I was essential. Though a large staff at Geneva was working efficiently, the system would be improved if a New Zealander was appointed to establish personal contact there. There had been no New Zealand representative "at Geneva with the International Red Cross Committee for more 'than fen years, and present conditions demanded immediate action. Airs. Dcrig said she had placed her views before the Alinister of Defence, Hon. F. Jones, last week, and had received sympathetic attention