PRISONERS OF WAR.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 9, 28 August 1914, Page 4

PRISONERS OF WAR.

53 In view of tlie great number of prisonlers taken in the present war, the treatT ineut of prisoners of war is a subject of considerable interest. There was a 3 time when such prisoners were put to r death, and this practice still continues 1 among some savage tribes; but with ? the progress of civilisation the treat- , ment of prisoners has been greatly improved, says the Dominion. This > matter was dealt with by The Hague i jConvention of 1907, which laid it down ; jthat prisoners must lie humanely treat- , led, and that they are entitled to rejtain their personal property with the (exception of weapons, horses, and mill!tary documents. They can be kept in ja town, camp, or oilier place, but not in actual confinement except in very special circumstances. The State may (employ prisoners of war—with the exception of officers—at occupations which have no connection with the actual conflict, or they may be allowed to work for private individuals or in their own interests. They are entitled to lie paid for the work they do. The { money thus earned shall be devoted to the improvement of their position, and what remains, after- deductions for maintenance, shall be paid to them on their release. The Hague Convention specifies how prisoners are to be clothed and fed. They may he set at liberty on parole. On the outbreak of war a bureau of information regarding prisoners is set up in each belligerent State. This bureau collects full information concerning each prisoner, ami replies lo all inquiries,