WAR PRISONERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 April 1944, Page 4

WAR PRISONERS

MORE TRANSFERS FROM ITALY REPORTS ON STALAG 344. CONSIDERABLE IMPROVEMENT EFFECTED. (By Telegraph—Press . Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. * The Prisoners of War Inquiry Office advises that during the past week another 17 of the New Zealanders who were in prisoner of war camps in Italy have been accounted for. Sixteen are in German camps and one safe with the Allies. Altogether, 2,614 men have been transferred to Germany, 208 have escaped to the Allies lines and 91 to Switzerland. The balance of 673 have still to be accounted for. In cases where next-of-kin of prisoners formerly in Italy receive letters from a prisoner relative stating that he is now located in a German camp, and have had no official advice through Base Records concrening the transfer, it is advised that they send the communications to Base Records and a copy to the Prisoners of War Inquiry Office headquarters. A report is to hand concerning a visit to Stalag 344 in October last year by the International Red Cross. It stated that the canteen was inadequately stocked and that on account of the fact that the number of prisoners located there had been doubled since the early part of 1943, the accommodation was overcrowded. Following on receipt of this report, a strong protest against the unsatisfactory conditions was forwarded to the German Government through the High Commissioner for New Zealand iff London. Information has now been received by the High Commissioner to the effect that a marked improvement has been effected and that the morale of the prisoners has been raised considerably in consequence. The office is requesting copies of letters from prisoners of war written during or shortly, after the Christmas festivities.