Better Conditions In P.O.W. Camps

Northern Advocate, 28 June 1943, Page 4

Better Conditions In P.O.W. Camps

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Cabled advice has been received by the Prisoners of War Inquiry Office regarding visits to camps in the Far East. In Hongkong camps, officers are receiving pay, enabling them to supplement their standard rations by purchases from the canteen. Conditions are improved owing to increased rations and weekly parcels. Camps visited at Osaka showed that allowances per head per month are 30 yen, which is more than is received by Japanese soldiers. Red Cross parcels are received in ail camps. Labour is compulsory for n.c.o.s and privates, eight hours per day, with Sundays free, and pay is 10 to 35 yen per day. Five to six cigarettes are allowed per day. The money earned is credited to savings accounts and can be drawn with the consent of the authorities at Camp ÜBE. It is stated that treatment, discipline and morale are good. Reports from Philippine camps up to March, state that prisoners’ health and conditions are improving. Mosquito nets are provided for all prisoners at Camp Taiwan. Glasses have been purchased for 20 prisoners, and more recreation has been granted in aged prisoners. Books, Bibles and playing cards have been sent to Camp Osaka. Gramophones, records, pingpong sets and footballs were purchased from the Pope’s relief fund; also nearly 4000 pairs of shoes were supplied by the Army. A report on Mukden Camp, states that the health of prisoners has generally improved. A canteen has been established in Java camps, and pigs are being raised. Reports dated the end of March state that civil internees in Japan are permitted to despatch two letters written in Japanese per week or one letter in English per month containing not more than 100 words. International Red Cross delegates reported in March that 4000 books, musical instruments, sports articles and games were purchased for camps in Japan by a committee consisting of ministers and members of the Swedish Legation and the International Red Cross delegate. The delegate also advised that he was proceeding with negotiations to establish educational facilities and books for Japanese camps.