HUN METHODS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 June 1917, Page 4

HUN METHODS.

TREATMENT OF' PRISONERS

(By C.jE. W. Beau, Official Reporter with Australian Forces.)

British Headouarters, May 22. There reached _ the Australian lines to-day two Western Australians who had been taken prisoner by the Germans when the Ilindenburg line was first broken by the Australian troops on April n. They were cut off, with 750 others, from all parts of the Australian force, alter that magnificent attempt to seize and hold the Iliudenburg line without the help ol the artillery. From the first the Germans starved these men, while working them mercilessly. They say that many of the prisoners are now falling so ill that even the Germans see that some can work no longer. From the day the Western Australians were captured they never had one blanket. They Lay 011 straw through the coldest nights. Their ration consisted of one loaf of bread between seven men, with stewed turnips and two cups of coffee daily. French civilians and priests were constantly trying to help them with little gifts of food, but this was done at great risk. One woman who was caught giving food was knocked over the' head by a German and taken away.

They say that the Germans are deliberately trying to cause dissension between Australia and Britain. They were told by the Germans that they coulchwrite anything they pleased about hard treatment and short rations, provided they said in the letters that it was-pun-ishment for the English employing German prisoners under shell fire. Needless to say, this accusation is utterly untrue, and was only made in order to give the Germans an excuse for using all possible labour behind the front. These Australians said that a French prisoner told them that he had been made to carry rations to the front line flag—a breach of all international law. The Australians themselves were sent within shell range in working gangs. They became thin from want of food. .Finally, two days ago, they decided, “we will have either bacon or death for breakfast.” They escaped, made their way across a line of trenches, and finally reaededthe Australian lines. They state that the Germans invariably asked them how England was standing the submarine campaign.

BRUTAL TREATMENT. DIRECT EVIDENCE PROVIDED. May 24. I have seen the two Western Australians who made their way back to our lines after five weeks’ captivity. There is not the slightest doubt that the Germans treated these men with deliberate brutahty. As they marched through the villages the French attempted to give them food. A woman offere.d them a loaf of bread, but the guards hit

tier in the face and knocked her down. A little girl ran out with bread but was slapped on the face A. man offered tliem a bucket of water, but the guards upset the pail over him, and threw it after him. The Australians finally induced the big guards to let them gather dandelions, stinging nettles, and other herbs, which can be eaten, and they lived on these and potato peelings thrown out by soldiers. One Western Australian dropped on the roadside. Others are falling sick at the rate of four per day.