PRISONERS OF WAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25053, 17 November 1944, Page 4

PRISONERS OF WAR

Relatives of New Zealand prisoners of war in Europe will be heartened by the timely and seemingly complete arrangements made by the Government for the repatriation of the men. The principles to be followed and much of the detail have been prescribed, but there is enough elasticity in the scheme to make it capable of meeting emergencies as they arise. The task is not an easy one. As soon as Germany capitulates it can be taken for granted that the guards on most of the prison camps will throw open the gates and walk off the job. That happened in 1918 and again last year in Italy and the freed prisoners immediately started to make their way to the Allied lines. It may seem like asking too much of human nature that men who have spent weary years behind barbed wire should stay in their camps until they can be withdrawn under proper arrangements. But the attempt should be made, for repatriation will be all the quicker if the men can be picked up at key points. Another big problem is the readjustment of the prisoners to a life of freedom. It will probably be found that they have been more in touch with world affairs than' is commonly believed, but nevertheless they will need some re-education. This is being provided and it will do much also to bridge the gap between arrival in England and boarding transports for New Zealand. There will be very heavy calls on shipping when the war ends and the prisoners of war must take their turn. Delays are likely to prove irksome, but here the native good sense of the New Zealander, inspired by such leaders as MajorGeneral Kippenberger, should triumph over difficulties. Work apd pleasure in proper proportions will achieve wonders.