CONFIDENTIAL

No.517

BRITISH

Date of visit: June 23rd 1944.

BAU- und ARBEITSBATAILLON Nr. 21

Camp Commander: Major Busse

British Man of Confidence: Sgt. Davies

British Medical Officers: Capt. Parker RAMC

                                      Capt. Goodall ADC

Begleitoffizier: Hauptmann Schade

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        On the day of the visit there were altogether 1157 British prisoners of war in this camp, 25 of whom are in the revier, 2 others in Cosel lazaret and 2 in the holiday camp at Gonshagen.

        There has been no change in the camp besides the replacement of the British dentist Capt. Green by Capt. Goodall of the Army Dental Corps on February 18th, 1944, the day after the delegate's last visit. Capt. Parker, RAMC, who used to be at Oflag VIII F has been replacing Capt. Davidson, RAMC, who is now at Stalag 344 Lamsdorf. No complaint has been brought forth, however, the following information has been given to the delegate of the Protecting Power:

                (a) Canteen funds: The total amount of the canteen funds had not been given to the man of confidence when requested, this, however, has been changed and the figures are given to him at any time, although he actually has no access to the books. However, the man of confidence is quite satisfied now with the new arrangement.

                (b) The prisoners of war had to work on one Sunday from 8 to 12 a.m. to ameliorate the air raid trenches. These trenches are now very deep and narrow and are well built; although open on top, they give good enough protection against splinters.

                (c) Overalls have been issued to men who have to do very dirty work, no overalls have been issued to the others. The situation of overalls is very bad all over Germany, as there are simply none to be had; there is a complete lack of material and the situation is getting worse.

                (d) The Red Cross clothing store has been moved to safer quarters about 8 km. away from the camp; the man of confidence can visit the store any time he wishes.

                (e) Reference is made to report No. 384 of February 17th, 1944 with regard to the choosing of the best musicians, artists or just generally prisoners of war who are good at providing entertainment for this camp. The Auswärtiges Amt, who has been approached on this matter has informed the Swiss Legation in Berlin that these men had been especially chosen to entertain the prisoners of war in their holiday camp at Genshagen, as they feel that it is of vital importance that the prisoners of war in Genshagen should have the necessary mental stimulation and rest to enable them to obtain the utmost benefit before returning to their working detachments. The Auswärtiges Amt furthermore is of the opinion that some of the other prisoners of war at this camp are capable enough to replace those musicians and artists now at Genshagen to provide the necessary entertainment at the camp itself.

        The man of confidence informed the delegate of the Protecting Power that about a week prior to the delegate's visit two German civilians (Gestapo) with the security officer went to four different rooms and in searching these rooms found in each one a radio set. These radios had been confiscated and four men who are supposed to be the owners of the radios have been questioned and afterwards sent to Stalag 344 Lamsdorf, for detention until the day of the trial which has been set for August 2nd, 1944 at Kattowitz. The man of confidence is apparently held responsible and will have to appear in court on the same charge as the other men. The man of confidence is also supposed to be sent to Stalag 344, awaiting trial, however, the camp commander has kept him in this camp until his representative, Corp. J.P. Potter, POW No. 1350, has been acquainted with the work. Upon taking this matter up with the camp commander, the delegate has been assured that the charge on the man of confidence is not being made responsible for the possession of radios by men in the camp, but that he was apparently present when the latest news from the B.B.C. was typed in the man of confidence's office. Furthermore the camp commander informed the delegate that there is no evidence as to the man of confidence's presence while the new was being typed or that he was in any way connected with the affair. The man of confidence will have to appear at the trial merely as witness; the camp commander feels sure that the charge against the man of confidence will be dropped and that he will be acquitted. At any rate the camp commander will keep the man of confidence at the camp until the day of the trial. The camp commander expressed his regret that this affair has to be brought to trial, as he would have preferred to deal with the matter himself.

        The searching of the men coming from work and before they enter the compound are being continued as it is done at Bau- und Arbeitsbataillon No. 20. However, the men take it in good spirit and are very much amused in the way it is being done, especially if the sentries hit the men with their hands on their legs, trying to break eggs, which they expect the men are bringing into the camp. In spite of these searches the men are still able to get eggs through to the great amusement of all. There has been no complaint and even if the men are being hit with the sentry's hand, they do not feel being manhandled.

        In spite of all the happenings as previously mentioned, the spirit and morale of the men is very high and they feel quite happy here.

Albert A. Kadler sgd.

Berlin, July 11th, 1944.