Suicide Wave in U.S. Prison Camp

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 62, 16 March 1944, Page 3

Suicide Wave in U.S. Prison Camp

Several Germans who committed suicido at tho big Concordia (Kansas) U.S.A. prison camp since August, are believed to have been to death” by fellow prisoners. Army officials are. investigating reports that secret Nazi courts are dealing out these penalties at the camp. Latest suicide is that of Pto. Ivanz Kettner (39), an Austrian, who slashed his wrists and groin in the guard-house where he spent 10 days in protective custody at his own request, explaining his life had been threatened. Previous deaths included two German army captains, found hanging from the rafters of their quarters. Other German officers refused to attend the funerals of the victims, leading to the speculation that the deaths were not voluntary suicide but virtual execution. According to un'-ffieial information, Nazi fanatics charge fellow-prisoners with being “traitors to the Fatherland,” then establish a court, hold a trial, and carry out sentence, which, in most cases, is a severe beating. According to the magazine “NewsWeek.” one anti-Nazi prisoner was sentenced to death two months ago, then beaten until dead. Five Nazis charged with murder will face a court-martial. The “Chicago Tribune” reports that four prisoners recently came to the gato of the compound, shouting to the guards for help, saying: “If we are kept here, wo’ll be dead by the morning.” They were transferred to another camp.