Only Guess Position Of N.Z. Prisoners In Italy

Northern Advocate, 29 September 1943, Page 3

Only Guess Position Of N.Z. Prisoners In Italy

(Received 1 p.m.) (Special) LONDON, September 28

General Carton De Wiai’t, V.C., who figured in the Italian armistice talks, after being a prisoner for two years, called on the New Zealand High Commissioner (Mr. W. J: Jordan). General De Wiart recalled being a prisoner with Brigadiers Hargest and Miles and Bishop and told Mr. Jordan that he had the highest regard for them.

He referred to Brigadier Hargest affectionately as “Old Jim.”

General De Wiart also recalled associations with other New Zealanders, including Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Porritt. and P. S. Falla, son of Brigadier N. S. Falla, who was in the diplomatic service in Warsaw prior to its capture early in the war. Thereupon Mr. Jordan telephoned Brigadier Falla who called in to New Zealand House and met General De Wiart, who told him that his son was now in Teheran.

General De Wiart was interested to learn that Brigadier Hargest had been returned unopposed in the general election, and that Mr. Jordan had cabled Brigadier Hargest the election results .to Switzerland, where he is interned.

General De Wiart said he could only guess the present position of New Zealanders who were prisoners in Italy. He imagined that when the Italians opened the camps, those who were fit would probably make every effort to link up with the Allied forces, possibly aided by the Italians.