PRISONERS OF WAR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25239, 31 May 1943, Page 2

PRISONERS OF WAR

CONDITIONS IN GERMAN CAMPS A SATISFACTORY REPORT (P.A.) WELLINGTON, May 29. The following reports have been received by the Prisoners of War Inquiry Office from the International Red Cross delegates on their visits to prison camps:— Stalag 20 B was visited in April. It has over 10,000 prisoners. Two-thirds of the work detachments are engaged ir farming. The accommodation is not crowded. New barracks are replacing the former unsatisfactory ones. Clothing is in fair condition. The prisoners have vegetable gardens. Weekly showers are provided, and swimming baths are in course of construction. Individually addressed parcels are arriving well. ■, Stalag 21 D was visited towards the erid of April. There is suitable accommodation and sanitary arrangements. Clothing is in fair condition. Food parcels arrive regularly. There is an infirmary, but serious cases are evacuated to hospital. A well-organised dental service awaits the arrival of equipment which has been ordered. Regular religious services are held and padres are allowed to visit the larger work detachments. There are theatrical activities and an orchestra and library. Sports are played. Ninety work detachments are attached, and the men are employed in industries and labouring work The general impression is good. The problem with which students are faced in the various camps is an inadequate supply of pencils, paper, and notebooks, to the solution of which the Swedish Red Cross is lending assistance. In addition. the British war organisation has recently made a grant of £ 1000 to enable a supply of lined foolscap note books, and lit is hoped) pencils and rubbers to be furnished. Well over 8000 sick and disabled prisoners of war were provided with work in the occupational parcels sent last year by the Invalid comforts section of the British war organisation. They give occupation to minds and hands.