SOME NEW ZEALANDERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 October 1943, Page 4

SOME NEW ZEALANDERS

AMONG MEN RETURNING FROM GERMANY INFORMATION FOR NEXT OF KIN NEW CAMPS ESTABLISHED IN GERMANY (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. With reference to recent cablegrams from London that a steamer with repatriated prisoners of war, including New Zealanders, is expected to arrive at Barcelona on Tuesday next, the Prisoners of War Inquiry Office Headquarters in Wellington advises next of km that it is quite unnecessary to communicate with the office at this stage for information. The Red Cross Commissioner in the Middle East has been instructed by cable to make full arrangements to meet the requirements of the repatriates the moment they land, after leaving Barcelona. 1 The Inquiry Office also advises that the Government will inform the next of kin of the prisoners involved immediately the names of the latter are made available and finally checked. Cabled advice has been received from London to the effect that the German authorities have established two transit camps, known as Oflag XIIB and Oflag XC, which are to be used for prisoners of war transferred from Italy. Where prisoners are known to have been transferred to one, of these camps, next of kin will be advised by Base Records as to the method of addressing correspondence. A representative of the International Red Cross visited Stalag Luft VI in the middle of September. There are approximately 2,000 men in the camp, including 88 New Zealanders. The accommodation was stated to be cramped. Food rations were normal and were controlled by a British representative. Clothing was suitable. The representative distributed various gifts, which the report states will need to be increased on account of the number of prisoners being transferred to this camp. Medicaments and surgical instruments were sufficient for needs and the general state of health was excellent. Religious services, a library and a small orchestra were available, but accommodation for study ourses was insufficient.