TOPICS OF THE DAY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11686, 1 May 1916, Page 4

TOPICS OF THE DAY.

KING ALFONSO AND PRISONERS. * It is computed that over 120,000 French families hav.9 sought tho help of King Alfonso of Spain for the discovery of clues as to tho whereabouts of rolativcs who have either not been hoard of for months or have been reported as missing on the official lists. Special offices have boon fitted up m tho royal palace at Madrid and n regular staff, under tho direction of the King's private secretary, Don Emilio Torres, is employed in sorting and filing the letters received. In talking to a representative of the "Petit Journal"

recently, Don Emilio Torr?s said that "a great number of the letters received were read by tho King himself, who directed all particulars available to bo sent to the Spanish Ambassador in Berlin, in order that ho might make tho necessary application to the German Government. Only the other day, said Don Emilio Torres, the information was received that two French soldiers reported as missing were safe and well in Germany. The news was immediately telegraphed to their families. Of lato a number of appeals for help with regard to lost relatives have been received from English people.