SHOT AFTER ESCAPE

Waikato Times, Volume 194, Issue 22354, 22 May 1944, Page 3

SHOT AFTER ESCAPE

GESTAPO REPORT DELAY WITH ADVICE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, May 21 The shooting of the 47 Allied Air Force officers by the Germans is believed to have taken place when the officers were found away from the camp and not at the time they attempted to escape, says the Daily Mail quoting reports reaching London. The reports add that Gestapo agents say that when the escape was reported they were ordered to stop the officers, 47 of whom were later found and all died. Letters from Stalag Luft 111 since March 22, the day on which the killings occurred, have not mentioned the incident. The Gestapo appears to have taken the matter from the German military authorities’ hands. Any Government holding war prisoners is required under the Geneva Convention to notify the Government concerned as quickly as possible if a prisoner dies from any cause. It is still a mystery why the German Government did not notify the Swiss Government immediately the shootings occurred, but left it to be discovered by Swiss inspectors. Not Allowed on Parole

Stalag Luft 111 accommodated 4000 to 5000 Royal Air Force, Dominion and Allied pilots, many of whom had been behind its barbed wire for nearly three years, with barely half a mile of grounds in which to exercise. None of the pilots has at any time been allowed outside Stalag Luft 111 on parole or under escort.

Officers have twice previously tried to escape from Stalag Luft 111. Those who tried in the first attempt tunnelled a way under the camp, only to be frustrated at the last moment. Ninety men on the other occasion joined in an escape but all were recaptured. Sir J. M. Lucas (Conservative): Will Mr Eden find out the name of the camp commandant and anyone else responsible? Mr Eden: We ask the House to wait until I get a reply from the protecting Power. I will give the House in-' formation as I get it. Mr E. L. Granville (Independent Labour) said he was sorry to press the point, but the relatives were most anxious. When the list was first published it was five. Now Mr Eden said there were 47. All the relatives of officers in this camp were wondering whether that was the total. Mr Eden: As far as I am aware my statement, which is the only official statement issued, contains all the facts in the possession of the Government. Of the officers who were shot, 25 belonged to the R.A.F. There were three New Zealanders, two Australians, six Canadians, three South Africans, one Frenchman, four Poles, two Norwegians, and one Greek.