TREATRENT OF PRISONERS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 May 1917, Page 1

TREATRENT OF PRISONERS.

Charga of Brutality. fSBPTER’S SEE VICE.—COPYRIGHT.] LONDON, May 22. In the House of Lords, Baron Norton replying to a quo turn stated Germany had d - maiided that all prisoners he removed thirty kilometres behind the line. .The Allies had complied, but the British Government has discovered that for many months 500 British prisoners were employed behind the German lines and had demanded that the practice be discontinued. Three Britishers who escaped in April stated that hundreds of Britishers were employed behind the German lines since' November and were treated with great brutality. The food given them was only enough to sustain life. They had no change of clothing and many died. Baron Norton added: “Unless the Government receives an assurance that this practice lias ceased, it was hoped tho War Cabinet would take drastic action. Bran's A ii.utis RIO DE JANIERO, May 22, Tht President lias sent a message to Congress recommending, the e vocation of the. decree of neutrality, grounded on the fact that the United' States forms an internal part of the American Union.. The traditional policy of Brazil has always h en regulated in perfect unity with the United (States, and also in consideration of the wishes of the great majority of the people. 'Brazilian correspondents add that an immediate declaration >of war with Germany is believed to be probable.

Rising in Foitugal. [REUTER’S OESVIC3. —COPYRIGHTJ MADRID, May 22. Advices from Badajog show there has been a popular rising in Partugal owing to. economic .difficulties. The troops intervened, and .twenty were killed and eighty wounded. CohscriptionOTTAWA, May 22. It is' expected that the Conscription Bill, will bo introduced on Friday. It is estimated that there are nearly .200,000 unmarried eligiblo men in the Dominion, who are not engaged in war work. German Paper’s Claim, Of Russia and Peace [REUTER’B SERVICE. —COPYRIGHT.] ' COPENHAGEN, May 23. The “Vossisehe fZeitnng” declares that Russia will soon accept a German peace, and therefore it is important that the Government should express clearly peace conditions, and offer Russia financial help after the war. French Pel icy [REUTER’S SEE VICE.—COPYRIGHT.] PARIS, May 22. In the Chamber of Deputies M. Ribot /Minister of Finance) explained Mas France did not wish a policy of annexation and even, conceded the nationalists policy to her enemies but insisted on France’s right to claim compensat-ion-for the; wrongs suffered in northern France, .Serbia, Roumania and elsewhere. France desired restitution of her stolen, provinces, but did not wish to impose any penalty on Ger many. German /‘pology. [reutep.’s SERVICE. —COrnUGHT.) MADRID, May 22nd. Germany lias apologised for the recent violation. of Spanish territorial waters and has promised to respect Spanish rights in future. An Assertion. [REUTER’S SERVICE. —COPYRIGHT.] COPENHAGEN, May 22. Germany is seeking. to conciliate Sweden by asserting that the torpedoing of three Swedish ships was accidental. Efficknoy Board WELLINGTON, May .23, Idio Efficiency Board is sitting in Wellington at present, and it is understood that the hearing of the evidence on the liquor inquiry which the ' oatu is making will he completed next :eek. The (Board will probably present its report to the Government very 6oon after the evidence is completed. The Efficiency Board reported to the Government on the Horse Racing question a month ago, at the conclusion of the last meeting of the Board. Casualty List WELLINGTON, May 23. The Defence Department has received the following:— KILLED IN ACTION. Patton, A. C., Lance-Corpl. DIED OF WOUNDS. Jenkins, W. S. Rifleman. DIED OF SICKNESS. Grant, H., Private. WOUNDED. Clarke, J. P., Private. Linkhorn. W. E., Lance-Corpl. WOUNDED ADMITTED TO HOSPITTAL. McLong, J., Gunner. Sittan, H., Private. Carroll. J., Private. Hutchison. H. F. A., Rifleman. Norgate, N. R. Private.