HUN FIENDS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 49, 22 November 1918, Page 5

HUN FIENDS

SHAMEFUL TREATMENT OF

WAR PRISONERS

SENSATION IN BRITAIN

DEMAND FOR HOSTAGES

London, November 20. The sufferings of the released British prisoners caused a sensation in Britain. They are compared to the Black Hole of Calcutta and other historical barbarities. Papers suggest Hint prominent Germans should be demanded as hostages for better treatment, and the names of the commandants of the prison camps peremptorily demanded.

The "Daily News" says: "If such crimes continue the armistice will be gravely imperilled, as civilised States cannot tolerate savages on their borders."—Reutor; INDIGNATION IN PARIS. Paris, • November 20. Further details of the horrible sufferings of British and other prisoners released in Germany under the armistice have caused widespread indignation. The reports show that they ware turned out of the camps practically without food, and forced to tramp through desolated country in tho bitterest weather; few had coats, and the soles were dropping from their 'boots. A numbed died by tho roadside.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

PITIFUL ACCOUNTS (Rec. November 21, 8.30 p.m.) London, November 20. Correspondents continue to send piti- 1 ful accounts of tho condition of British prisoners arriving at Nancy. All are in a lamentable state, faces pinched, tunics held. together with string, some wearing horsecloths and women's garments, and all terribly hungry. They had been treated like slaves. Several hundred British prisoners got lost in the woods near Chateau Saline. French soldiers who were searching discovered three hundred dying of hunger and fatigue. The newspapers' angry protests at the enemy's barbarity are increasing.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. STEAMERS CHARTERED FOR REPATRIATION (Rec. November 21, 5.15 p.m.) 1 . Copenhagen, November 20. The British Government has chartered Danish steamers to bring 50,000 prisoners from the North German ports—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. NEW ZEALAND WAR PRISONERS (Special Dispatch from the New Zealand Official War Correspondent.) November H. An officer, on behalf of the Red Cross, paid a visit to the New Zealand prisoners of war in Switzerland, fifteen in number. The prisoners of war were being well looked after, and were attending the educational classes which had been started for British prisoners. Though tjiey had had a hard time in Germany none had been cruelly treated! but they had seen others, especially Belgians, cruelly dealt with. This officer visited the hospital for French refugees near Geneva (subsidised by tho New Zealand Government). The hospital had done good work, and the French were very gratefill for all ihat had been done.

During a visit ;o 'France the. Red Cross officer selected as a rest house for New Zealand officers the villa that used to be the summer residence of the late Mr. Joseph Chamberlain, near Cannes, which is being leased for six months for this purpose. During his tour, which included a visit to the division, lie arranged for a supply of Eed Cross comforts. RELEASED GERMANS IN RUSSIA HALF A MILLION OCCUPY MINSK. Amsterdam, November 19. Half a million German troops released in Russia have occupied Minsk. Steps are being taken to supply thein with much-needed focd and clothing.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.