BRITISH PRISONERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 232, 1 October 1943, Page 5

BRITISH PRISONERS

Recd. 9 p.m. Ottawa, Sept. 29. A substantial proportion of the British nrisoners of war in Italy have been releaved, said Mr. Malcolm MacDonald, at a press con'erence. A Red Cross official informed him that 40 per cent, probably got away. Most of these freed were from southern Italy. The position of those hetl behind the German lines in the north wars more difficult, therefore he could not estimate how many might make their way through to Allied terr-tory. Mr. MacDonald said: “It is perfectly clear that the Germans plan to make an impregnable fortress of as large of portion of Europe as possible, hoping to prolong the war and thus obtain a compromise peace.” Mr. MacDonald concluded: “Europe must be invaded from the north or west or from both. Therefore communications from supply bases in Canada and the United States to Europe must be kept intact.”

Naples, Reuter now gives the full quotation: ‘The Fifth Army has captured Castellammarc. which is 171 miles from Naples, but where the suburbs of Naples may be said to begin.”