PRISONERS OF WAR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25305, 16 August 1943, Page 2

PRISONERS OF WAR

ADVICE TO NEXT-OF-KIN (P A.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 14. From inquiry made by the Prisoners-of-War Inquiry Officer there appears to be no reason why boot polish in ''F 15 , solid dentrifice should not be included in next-of-kin quarterly parcels to Italy, but tooth paste in tubes is still not permissible.

The office has received cabled advice that in February and March some 2000 articles, comprising greatcoats, blouses, and trousers, were sent to Onag VII B, and the British Red Cross states that it has no information that there is any lack of clothing at this camp. It has also advised that there are stocks at Geneva sufficient to meet all indents from the British camp leaders, who have been instructed regarding indents on Geneva for requirements. It is permissible now to include regimental badges and service buttons in quarterly parcels. The postal arrangements of prisoners-of-war camps, both in Germany and Italy, are practically entirely in the hands of selected men from among the prisoners themselves, which is a considerable guarantee that every effort is made to see that parcels reach prisoners, even though several redirections may be necessary. Two further lists of information regarding British persons in Japanese-held territory have been circulated to the Red Cross and St. John centres, where they may be inspected.