Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1918 BRITISH TREATMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1918, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1918 BRITISH TREATMENT.

Tiik cable news last week contained some unpleasant details of the treatment meted out to New Zealand soldiers taken prisoner by the Turks on Gallipoli. The British treatment of the ’Turkish prisoners is in sharp contrast to Ottoman practices. A year ago a neutral foreign delegation representing the Red Cross of Geneva toured tin British internment camps in India and Burma\for Turkish prisoners of war and civil residents in the Indian Empire, of enemy nationality. Their official report lately issued covers a complete inspection extending over a three months tour of the camps. The delegation had the fullest license to inspect the camps and interview the interned either publicly or privately. Their report says: “Nothing was kept from ns. We had fulj liberty to inspect all premises, to examine registers and obtain aill. useful information. We talked with the prisoners as much as we liked. The camp authorities made a: point of not being present, so tjhat prisoners had full liberty to make complaints. They were permitted also to ■end us letters. We can affirm, therefore, that we know the exact position of the Turkish prisoners in the British camps. They occupy barracks normally used for British troops, or buildings specially erected. The sanitation is excellent. The feeding arrangements are liberal and practical. The 'rations are the same as those given the British troops. The Turkish prisoner is led well; also clothed well. Bad treatment is unknown. Discip. line is strict, without harshness. The orisoners get on well with their guards. The medical organisation deserves nothing but unstinted praise. The excellent health of the Turkish prisoners is explained by the good condition of the hospitals. In all camps Turkish officers receive considerate and courteous treatment. The British officers do all they can to keen on good terms with them. At one commandant’s table we dined at, Turkish officers were received J as distinguished guests. Nothing pleas- j ed us more than this chivalrous behaviour towards unfortunate enemies. We conclude this report with the expression of our belief that the Turkish prisoners on returning to their country will testify that England has treated them with all the humanity they could wish.” Referring to interned German and Austrian civilians the report says; “Many of the interned took au unprejudiced view of the situation and assured us that in the circumstances they had nothing but praise for the consideration shown them, by the authorities.” Tthe report contains very interesting details of the several camps visited, together with particulars of the care taken in transport work to distant Burmah where there are upwards of four thousand prisoners of war. The report contains this fine tribute to the British methods:—“The most lasting impression left on the delegates’ memory sums up the many exhaustive observations made during the visit to the prisoners’ camps. The delegates are of the opinion that tlie British are to-day treating their prisoners as if they were to he their friends in the more or less near future. The care lavished on their welfare, the constant desire to improve their lot,- and the absence of useless annoyances are the factors in a treatment which conforms with the principles of humanity and civilisation, and does honor to the British race.” And who would have if otherwise? The British are conducting the war on the guiding principles which prompted the nation to enter it.

and it is at least pleasant to find neutral authorities recognising the justice with which Britain can wage the war and make unfortunate sufferers’ lot as comfortable as possible.