PRISONERS OF WAR

Waikato Times, Volume 89, Issue 13889, 15 October 1918, Page 6

PRISONERS OF WAR

ANGLO-GERMAN NEGOTIATIONS FAIL. STRONG BRITISH DEMANDS. FOR PROPER AND HUMANE TREATMENT. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) LONDON, October 13. The Press Bureau has issued a state. ment'by the Inter-department Committee on war prisoners, announcing the receipt of Germany's refusal to ratify the Anglo-German prisoners' agreement, unless guarantees are given against the deportation or internment of Germans in China. The statement proceeds to say that the Government is determined to take drastic steps, in the event of con. tinued maltreatment of British war prisoners behind the'lines, in salt mines and elsewhere, and they accordingly demand that Germany redress these grievances, particularly (1) that they immediately remove prisoners to not less than 18 miles behing the firing line; (2) afford proper and humane treatment for prisoners in. occupied territories elsewhere; (3) permit the Netherlands representatives to inspect occupied territory behind the linos with a view to ascertaining if the grievaupes are redressed; (4) undertake that no prisoners shall henceforth be employed in salt mines, and (5) carry out the articles of the recent Hague agreement, containing the humane code for the treatment of prisoners. Germany has ben notified that unless, within four weeks, these requirements are acepted, Britain will, in concert with her Allies take such reprisals as may be demed necessary to compel Germany to treat prisoners in accordance with international law, and the practice of civilised nations. In any case. Britain will hold Germany responsible for unlawful and inhuman treatment of prisoners, and will take all steps in her power to ensure that persons responsible for outrages are punished. The nature of further reprisals, which may l>e taken, will be considered in consultation with her Allies. Steps are also being taken to secure the better treatment of prisoners in Turkish hands. Instructions have l>en sent to General Allenby that in the event of an armistice with Turkey, the immediate and conconditional return of prisoners should be required.