Most Of 2200 Maorilanders Missing Are Prisoners

Northern Advocate, 26 May 1941, Page 6

Most Of 2200 Maorilanders Missing Are Prisoners

[Special to “Northern Advocate”] WELLINGTON, This Day. THE ACTING PRIME MINISTER (MR. NASH) ANNOUNCED LAST NIGHT THAT HE HAD RECEIVED ADVICE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER (MR. FRASER) THAT AS A RESULT OF THE GREEK CAMPAIGN SOME 2200 NEW ZEALANDERS ARE MISSING. Mr. Nash said that for the most part there was fairly reliable information that, the men were prisoners of war. “I want to let everyone know that we have received some information with regard to the number of missing today, and that it is being sent out to the parents and next-of-kin,” Mr. Nash said.

“The message I have had from Mr. Fraser is.that, as a result of the Greek campaign, some 2200 are missing.”

Stitll Hope For Many

Mr . Nash said that the list of names was coming through, some of the next-of-kin had already been notified, and others would be notified shortly. “That means that they are not either in Crete or Egypt, and for the most part we are fairly reliably informed that they are prisoners of war,” he added. “There has been no delay in the issuing of casualty lists. Next-of-kin are being notified as fast as it is possible to get the information to them.

“The value of the list and the purport of it can be more clearly understood by a message we received today that 50 Australians were reported to have reached Crete after being on the way for a fortnight or three weeks, and going through the most astonishing and astounding experiences.

“While the navies will he given as missing, there is quite a lot of hope that some will reach shores under the control of Britain or Greece, and some will be prisoners of war.

“There will be more information, I hope, as the hours pass, and we are letting everyone know as soon as we possibly can.”