Stalag 344

The legations representatives were received by Major Pawlik, the camp commander being absent on the day of the visit.

In the whole Stalag there were 20952 prisoners; 14101 of them are in working detachments; there were 307 detachments of which 10 for jewish prisoners. (988 jewish and Palestinian prisoners).

The number of handcuffed prisoners has been reduced from 2300 when the camp was last visited to 1838. This number is composed of:

Following an order from the German High Command the Australian prisoners are no longer chained since the 1st of March; there were 87 of them. They protested against being no longer handcuffed as they wanted to share the fate of their British comrades but without success as the order has to be carried out by the camp authorities.

A representative of the Australians asked for an interview with the inspectors; he stated that his Australian comrades wish the British as well as the Australian Governments to be acquainted with the fact that that order was carried out against their will and that their strong determinations is to share the fate of all the prisoners of the Commonwealth.

The treatment of the chained prisoners has greatly improved since last visit; their rooms are less crowded and the lower beds are no longer occupied; besides now the sitting facilities in the rooms are adequate. Further they are now allowed to attend to the lectures and to take part in all the entertainments in the camp with the other prisoners. There are no longer extra guards in and outside their barracks; however they are still living together in barracks of their own.

12 prisoners were under arrest and there was no complaint about their treatment. Most of them were serving sentences for attempts of escape.

The question of blankets is still very acute; the repatriables and the Indians have now 3 blankets each including the private ones but the camp authorities stated that they have no stock left, neither of German nor of Red Cross blankets and they do not know how to deal with the situation in case of new arrivals of prisoners; the British Man of Confidence said that the Red Cross refused to send more blankets. The camp authorities seem to be perfectly aware of the seriousness of that question but are unable to deal with it as they are not provided with more blankets from the German higher authorities.

The matter was taken up again very strongly with the Commander of prisoners of war of Wehrkreis VIII who assured the inspectors that he could give the guarantee that every prisoner would be provided with two blankets in winter and one in summer even if the stock of Red Cross blankets is exhausted.

No change since last visit except that the number of water taps in the barracks has been reduced the result being that the prisoners have the greatest difficulty to wash their laundry, inasmuch as the room provided is certainly insufficient when the barracks are fully occupied which is now the case. The camp authorities agreed that one or even two special wash-barracks ought to be built and the suggestion will be made to the German High Command.

There is still a cut in the German rations ordered by the camp authorities, the reason being that the prisoners receive enough Red Cross food parcels; the present weekly rations are the following ones:

Bread

Meat

Fat

Cheese

Flour

Sugar

Marmalade

2250

260

135

100

140

gr.

(full ration:

2250

300

205

62.5

160

175

140

gr.

Cooking of private food is still not allowed in the rooms and the content of the parcels is still cooked in common for all the prisoners. However the system has been slightly changed; there are in succession one hot week and one cold week; during the hot week all the parcels food of a fortnight which has to be cooked is prepared in the kitchen for the prisoners and during the cold week the prisoners eat the cold food of the parcels of a fortnight; the prisoners seem to be satisfied with that system.

There is now a large stock of Red Cross parcels, in the working detachments too.

The Man of Confidence complained that the weekly menu of German food is no longer posted in the kitchen and that he is therefore unable to control the rations given out; the question was discussed with the German officer in charge of the food; he declared that it was only a temporary measure pending a reorganisation of the kitchen but that the menu could always be consulted in his officer. Will be checked at next visit.

The Indians have their own cooking and for them the meat is replaced either by fish or my margarine. They are allowed to do some private cooking in their barrack and asked to be provided with more fuel for that purpose; the camp authorities stated that they were unable to issue more coal but that they would provide them with some wood.

There was again a general complaint about the lack of eating and drinking mugs; as the camp authorities seem quite unable to provide some more the German High Command will be asked to do something about it.

a) Lazaret: The direction of this lazaret lies still in the hands of Oberstabsarzt Dr. Wolthall. He is assisted by 9 British medical officers, Major C.W. Horncastle still acting as S.B.M.O.. Furthermore, the British medical staff includes 100 medical orderlies. There were rumors - which were confirmed by the German Oberstabsarzt - that one of the British doctors had to leave for an other place, following an order given by the Commander of the VIII. military district. Both the German and British doctors are worried about this order, as the actual number of doctors is already rather small for the work to be done in this lazaret. Representations shall be made on that matter at the O.K.W.

At the time of our visit 287 patients were accommodated in the lazaret, 140 of them being surgical cases. 12 other mental cases had been sent to an asylum in Loben. At the moment, two of the British doctors are also slightly ill and have to stay in bed.

A British specialist for ear, nose and throat diseases had come temporarily to this lazaret in order to do the special examinations and to carry out the necessary operations.

Food rations have been cut here as in the whole camp. The figures below are those taken from this week's menu multiplied with 4 and compared with the actual German civilian ration scale, the ration scale of the depot troops being the same.

The coal ration for the lazaret was said to be rather short. For both heating and cooking purposes of a ward block with a capacity of 74 beds 50 respectively 75 Kg. of coal are issued alternatively per day. Brought before the Commander, this complaint was meeting the usual answer of "we have not more".

Otherwise the lazaret makes still a very good impression. The British doctors are afforded all facilities and freedom in carrying out their activity.

b) Infirmary: Stabsarzt Dr. Schaeffer is still in charge of the medical attention in the camp. There has been no change as regards British medical staff, Capt. McLean still acting as B.S.M.O.

At the time of our visit, 246 patients were attended in the infirmary, all of them presenting only minor troubles.

The dental station works very well. There is a comparatively good supply of dental material. However, the dentist would like to have some more lower front teeth.

As regards the infirmary, two main complaints were brought before the delegates, one concerning the insufficient cooking facilities. Indeed, for the cooking of private food and diets of some 250 eventual patients only a small stove with one single heating plate is available here. This arrangement is obviously insufficient. Informed about this complaint, the Commander promised to make the necessary enquiries. When the delegates later met with the Commander of this military district they urged him very strongly to see that this matter would not be left in the stage of pure enquiries.

The other point was that the drug stock was very small and the drug supply from the German very scarce, and even insufficient from the Red Cross. As far as the German drug supply is concerned, the answer of the German Stabsarzt was the same as for the insufficient coal rations in the lazaret. It is obviously difficult to object to such an answer.

One minor complaint was that there was no possibility, after 10 p.m., of turning on any light in the wards of the wooden huts. Questioned about this, the Commander informed the delegates that one was already working to put a special lead for the night lights in the wooden huts.

The general clothing condition was said to have improved; about 50% of the prisoners in the working detachments are now provided with 2 suits; the old suits are constantly washed, repaired and issued again.

However battle dresses and specially trousers are still urgently needed, as well as boots of the small sizes (5 and 6) and boot repairing material.

As reported under No. IV the washing places are no longer adequate as well for the washing of the prisoners as for the washing of their laundry; it is therefore hoped that the suggestion of erecting a new wash hut will be accepted and the problem thus solved.

The Man of Confidence wants the British Government to let him know the date as from which the pay of warrant officers has been deducted from their accounts at home in view to be able to control if it corresponds to the date from which they will receive their pay. [Note: The following is handwritten alongside this entry, "No reply necessary. See 48/Abd/1004. No deductions being made. D.A."]

Further the Man of Confidence declared that as far as he knows his comrades the warrant officers do not want any pay in captivity (except if they were to be send to Oflags) as there is nothing to spend the money on; they would much prefer that money to be paid to their relatives at home.

The padre asked if jews of christian faith could be visited in working detachments and the answer of the camp authorities was that there is no objection against it.

The jews in the working detachments are buried without funerals as there are no rabbis at disposal and the padres declared themselves prepared the officiate at their funerals if it is wished. This question was raised with the camp authorities who made no objection.

The padre asked further that the Chief Man of Confidence be allowed to accompany them at prisoners funerals in working detachments to represent their comrades of the camp; it was done for a time but is no longer allowed.

The Roman Catholic padre experiences the greatest difficulty in receiving communion wine and the Legations representatives were asked to help in the matter.

Nothing to be reported, the sport as well as the entertainments and the school being very well organised in this camp.

It was asked if the repatriables could not be allowed to go out of the camp on walks from time to time; the camp authorities declared themselves ready to organise such walks for the grands blesses who wish it. Will be checked at next visit.

The mail was said to be coming in regularly except the Australian mail which is rare and spasmodic.

The Australian prisoners thought that their mail might be retained somewhere in Germany but it does not seem to be the case as the Australian mail arrives to the camp straight from abroad in the same batches as all the other prisoners' mail.

Besides the camp authorities stated that there are no special restrictions on the Australian mail. Therefore the fault seems rather to lie in the transport difficulties between Australia and Europe.

The R.A.F. mail seems to be delayed through the fact that it is censured in Stalag Luft 3 before being sent to this camp. The German High Command will be asked if it were not possible to have that mail censured in the camp too.

The complaints No. 1, 2 and 3 of last report seem to have been settled satisfactorily.

1) 3 prisoners complained that some personal belongings had been taken from them in previous camps and request the return of them; these complaints will be communicated to the German High Command.

2) The Man of Confidence asked to receive the regulations about allowances (family, dependants, guardians allowances and rates of pay) and pay warrants. He asked if the British Authorities could let him have a copy of the two official books: "Allowances regulations" and "Pay warrant".

The conditions in this camp have improved since last visit; the camp commander is strict about discipline but certainly fair and the Man of Confidence stated that he finds it easy to collaborate with the camp authorities. There are still a few material shortcomings in the camp but there seems to be good will on both sides and the spirit is high.

The work consists in loading and unloading grains at the station; it is a heavy work and the prisoners have to work 9 hours a day; they are free on sunday and one afternoon in the week. The pay is 70 pfng. per day.

The work consists in unloading coal and demolishing old barracks. The prisoners have to work 8 to 9 hours a day and are free on sunday and saturday afternoon; their pay is 70 pfng. a day.

These two detachments are accommodated in the same camp which consists of a wooden barrack built in the courtyard of an old small fort; there is one room for each detachment furnished with double tier beds, tables and benches; each man has blankets; heating and lighting adequate; the ventilation was said to be insufficient at night but steps have already been taken by the camp authorities to have it improved. The barrack is in good condition.

The cooking is done by a British cook, no serious complaint about the food; the prisoners of E 484 receive heavy workers rations for the bread; those of E 486 received up to now only the normal rations but an application has already been made by the German camp authorities in view to obtain heavy worker rations. Facilities for cooking private food are adequate. Red Cross parcels stock for 7 weeks. There was a complaint that according to an order from the commander of the guards company the milk tins have to be kept in the German guards room, the result being that every time a prisoner wants some milk in his cup of tea he has to go and fetch it there; the reason is to prevent prisoners to write secret letters with condensed milk; the German accompanying officer did not know anything about it and was very surprised; he is going to look into the matter and to have that order cancelled.

Clothing condition not very good although each man has two uniforms; it seems however that both are old. The boots either are not in good condition; there is a cobbler in the camp but he has no repairing material. Clothing, boots and repairing material have already been asked from the Stalag.

Good sport facilities on the German barrack sport field. Books are sent from the main camp and indoor games are provided; the prisoners would like to receive a gramophone and records as well as a few mouthorgans; these wishes will be communicated to the YMCA.

Work camps E 484 and 486: The sick men in these camps are looked after by the Man of Confidence, who, in case of need, sends them to the local military doctor. The latter does not seem to take very much care of the patients, keeping them rather seldom in the camp when they are ill, prescribing them exceptionally anything else than "don't play foot-ball" or "don't smoke so much". The accompanying officer was asked to see whether it would not be possible for these men to go to the local military lazaret where, on some occasions, the patients got very good ambulatory treatment.

Dental treatment seems to be very good and complete but is handicapped by the fact that the men have to get the doctor's permission when they want to go to the dentist.

This camp does not make a bad impression; the working conditions as well as the treatment are fair and the collaboration with the Kommandoführer seems to be easy.

Sgt. Lawrence of the R.A.F. is stationed in this camp and is in charge of the issuing of clothing of 18 working detachments in the neighbourhood.

The prisoners are working at the correction of a river; they seem to have to work 8 hours and are paid 70 pfng.; sunday free.

The prisoners are accommodated on the first floor of a stone building; they live in a very large room furnished with triple tier wooden beds, tables and benches; lighting and heating adequate. 2 blankets each.

Washing and bathing facilities inexistent; although it was said that the building of a wash-house in the courtyard is foreseen, that very serious deficiency will be brought to the attention of the German High Command as this camp has already been in existence for two years.

Food is cooked by a prisoner and there was no complaint about it; it was however said that the food had been very bad and had improved only quite recently. The prisoners are entitled to heavy working rations and these are regularly controlled by the Man of Confidence. Facilities for the cooking of private food adequate; Red Cross parcels issued regularly; stock for 5 weeks.

Clothing condition not bad although each man has only one uniform and no overalls are provided; some of the prisoners have a second pair of trousers.

Sport facilities are there (football and boxing) and books are provided by the Stalag as well as indoor games.

The sick in this camp are attended by one medical orderly. In need of a doctor, they have to go either to the military doctor in Troppau or to the civil doctor of a nearby village. There are no complaints so far about the medical attention. Dental treatment, too, is satisfactory.

There were no complaints about the present conditions in this camp but the following facts were brought to the knowledge of the inspectors: On several occasions the Man of Confidence (then Sgt. Biegun) complained about the food and specially about the prisoners not receiving their correct meat ration; he asked several times to see the company commander in view to discuss the matter with him but the latter never came. At last on the 30th of January last the prisoners refused to work as a protest; the Kommandoführer reported at once to the company commander who then arrived at once with 6 German guards; they made a terrible row without listening to the sergeant and started to strike him as well as the men; then they were assembled on the public square and insulted by the Company commander as being jews. A few days later the Commander of Stalag VIII B came himself to visit the camp and had the British Man of Confidence replaced and one of the guards too; since that visit the food had greatly improved and there is no longer any complaint.

They work in a stonequarry, some 8 to 9 1/2 hours according to the season and some on accord work. Sundays are free and the pay is 70 pfng. a day.

The accommodation is in two stone buildings on both sides of a large courtyard, in one of them is a room for 23 prisoners and in the other a room for 47 with an adjacent dining room. In the smaller room they sleep in double tier beds and in the larger room in triple tier beds; they have 2 blankets each but many of them rather worn out; the matter was discussed with the accompanying officer who pointed out the impossibility for the employers to buy to-day new blankets; it seems therefore that the only solution would be to help with the Red Cross blankets, although there is no stock whatsoever at the Stalag. The lighting is adequate but the large room is not sufficiently heated; the fault lies with the stove and the employer was asked to provide a larger and better stove; he promised to do his best but stated that it would hardly be possible to find a new stove for some time and that therefore it would probably not be installed before next winter.

The food is prepared by British prisoners and there was no complaint about it; the midday meal is eaten at the factory and at night the prisoners prepare their supper out of their parcels; cooking facilities are provided. There is a 6 weeks issue of parcels in stock.

Clothing condition not bad at the moment; each prisoner has two uniforms; overalls have been ordered by the firm for the men doing the dirties work and are expected soon.

Sport facilities are provided; books are received from the Stalag and there are enough indoor games as well as some musical instruments. The Man of Confidence asked if the prisoners could not be allowed to swim in the summer in a nearby pool; the German authorities are rather reluctant as there seems to be some danger owing to the deepness of that pond but the question will be investigated.

For medical attention a good civil doctor is available and also a good dentist. A British medical orderly attends the patients in the camp.

There was no serious complaint, the few complaints which were brought before the inspectors having been settled on the spot with the employer.

This camp makes a rather good impression except for a few material shortcomings and the treatment seems fair.

The prisoners of these two detachments are living in the same quarters and there is only one Man of Confidence for both.

The prisoners of E 256 are for the greatest part working in a carpenter's shop, although 4 of them are working in a wine cellar and 2 in a saw-mill; the 6 prisoners of E 446 are working in a jam factory; they all have to work 9 1/2 hours a day and are paid 70 pfng. daily; saturday afternoon and sunday free.

The accommodation is on the first floor of an outhouse of the carpenters shop; it is a stone building.

There is a dining-room and a dormitory with an adjacent small washroom and a night latrine.

The men sleep in double tier beds and each one has 2 blankets provided by the firm; the lighting is sufficient and as for the heating they can manage with the fuel issued if they are careful.

The prisoners have to wash in basins and they complained that there are not enough of them; the accompanying officer promised to try to have some more provided although it is extremely difficult to find such articles now in Germany. The trouble is that there is in that area a great shortage of water due to the lack of rain and snow for more than a year; therefore the water is only running a short time every day and the prisoners have to fill up two tins during that time to have water for the rest of the day. Bathing once a week on saturday afternoon at the firm.

The food is cooked by the firm and there was no complaint about it, except for the meat; there is indeed very often horse flesh which the prisoners don't eat; however nothing can be done about it as the firm is fee to give horse meat to prisoners as long as it is of good quality. Facilities for cooking of private food are there; Red Cross parcels stock for about 6 weeks.

Clothing condition rather bad; each man has only one uniform; however 25 pairs of trousers were received the week before the visit; thus 25 prisoners are now provided with two pairs of trousers.

Laundry is now washed by the prisoners but they experience some difficulty owing to the shortage of water supply; the German officers with whom the question was discussed stated that they had been endeavouring for some time to find a washwoman but that it is extremely difficult now; however they have some arrangement in view which would be satisfactory.

The prisoners are allowed to go out and play football; they are also allowed to go out sometimes for walks; there is a small garden at the back of the house where they can spent some time every day; the difficulty is the lack of German guards which makes it difficult for the German Kommandoführer to organise the outdoor entertainments. The matter was discussed and the German accompanying officer gave order to the Kommandoführer to organise them in collaboration with the British Man of Confidence.

Books are provided by the Stalag, indoor games are there and the prisoners have been able to buy some musical instruments.

For medical attention the patients are allowed to attend the sick parade in the local military lazaret, where they are taken care of by an English speaking and very helpful German medical officer. The local chemist does also his best to provide the patients with the necessary drugs.

There was no serious complaint in these detachments and the spirit seemed to be good; the British Man of Confidence as well as the German Kommandoführer are both new in that camp and it is probable that when both are better acquainted with the situation the conditions will still improve.

The conditions being exactly the same for these two detachments they will be described together.

The prisoners are working in a coal mine, some underground and some overground. The first work on three 9 hours shifts, two day and one night-shift. As an average they have one sunday free out of two. The pay is 70 pfng. a day minimum.

The camp composed of three large wooden huts is on the premises of the mine. The barracks are well built and in good condition.

The prisoners are living 18 in a room and there is no overcrowding; they sleep in double tier beds and are provided with 2 blankets each plus the private ones. Heating, lighting and ventilation adequate.

There is a special washhut with running water (24 taps); adequate. Hot baths every day at the mine.

There is no complaint about the food which is cooked by civilians in the canteen of the mine. Facility for cooking private food on the stoves in the rooms. Stock of Red Cross parcels for a 7 weeks supply.

Clothing condition not too good; each man has only one uniform; working overalls and boots are provided by the employer.

Up to now the prisoners had to wash their own laundry but they had great difficulty to do it owing to the lack of space in the washroom and to lack of time; the matter was discussed thoroughly with the accompanying German officer and with the representative of the firm and it was decided that the firm would in the future have the laundry washed for the prisoners.

There is no canteen but some articles can be bought in town; no beer for sale but apple juice.

There is no recreation room in this camp and it is certainly a great deficiency; therefore the question was discussed with the representative of the firm who promised to take the necessary steps; he proposed to use the storeroom which is large as recreation room and to find another place as storeroom for the Red Cross parcels; the Legation representatives insisted that it must be done at once and it is hoped that this matter is now settled.

There is a band of 7 musicians which gives regularly concerts, although it was very difficult to organise something without a recreation room.

Indoor games and specially playing cards are greatly needed and this will be communicated to the YMCA.

The camp has its own infirmary, consisting of a rather spacious room with 6 beds. Two recognised British medical orderlies attend the patients. Medical visits are arranged twice a week at the office of the local Army Medical Officer.

At the time of our visit there was one man lying in bed in the infirmary, suffering from a scarlatine-like rash. Recently there had been an epidemic of influenza among the prisoners of war of this camp.

Dental treatment is given by a civil dentist who does extractions and fillings. At the moment dental care is a bit slack owing to the actual big number of civilians who are overcrowding the dentist's waiting rooms.

There have been at a time last year some difficulties with the German guards who sometimes strike some prisoners; however the conditions were said to have improved lately and the Man of Confidence declared himself generally satisfied.

There are in this camp 3 merchant seamen who complained that they ought not to work as they are civil internees.

The prisoners do railway building work (general labouring); they have to work 9 hours daily (monday 8 hours and saturday 4 hours); sunday free. They are paid 70 pfng. a day.

They are quartered in one storey brick building and have a large sleeping quarter furnished with double tier beds and enough tables and benches; heating, lighting and ventilation satisfactory. 2 blankets per man plus private blankets.

Adjacent to the sleeping quarter is a small room where the prisoners can cook their private food on a large stove; washing facilities in the building with running water, satisfactory. Hot bath every week at the firm.

The food is cooked by civilian women and there was no complaint about it. Red Cross parcels are issued weekly and there is a 5 weeks stock.

Every prisoner has two uniforms but none in very good condition; no working overalls are provided.

There is no canteen; some articles can occasionally be bought in town but for instance razorblades and matches are nearly impossible to provide. Beer is for sale.

The camp was once visited in November last by a Roman Catholic padre from the Stalag, the Man of Confidence asked for the padre to come more often but it is certainly a difficult question as there is only one Roman Catholic padre at Stalag VIII B with nearly 300 working detachments to visit.

Books are received from the main camp; mathematic lessons have been organised at night.

There is no musical instruments and the prisoners would be very grateful for a gramophone and records; this wish will be communicated to the YMCA. Indoor games and specially playing cards are lacking too.

There is a large yard in front of the building where prisoners can take some exercise but not large enough to play football; however the employer promised to the Legations representatives to organise very soon for the prisoners to go out and play football on a ground outside the town.

The Man of Confidence complained that himself and the sanitator were locked up in the building every time when the two German guards have to go out at the same time; it is never for more than two or three hours and not every day. The accompanying German officer stated that the prisoners are under the responsibility of the German guards and that he could not see his way to order them to do otherwise; the trouble is here again the lack of guards.

The Man of Confidence complained too that by nightfall the prisoner are locked up in the barrack and their trousers and shoes taken from them; the same practice was ascertained in many working detachments of Stalag VIII B, the purpose of this order is to prevent escapes; the question was discussed with the German accompanying officer who agreed that trousers and boots ought to be taken from the prisoners only when they go to bed and he promised to take up the matter with the camp authorities.

There is one medical orderly to attend the sick in this camp. Twice a week the men are allowed to attend the sick parade in Reservelazaret Beuthen.

Urgent dental care is given by a civilian dentist. For other dental treatment the men are without difficulties sent to Stalag Lamsdorf.

This detachment makes definitely a good impression; the material conditions are satisfactory and the treatment of the prisoners was said to be fair.

The prisoners work in a coal mine; they work in three 8 hour shifts (saturday 10 hours); as an average they have to work 2 out of 4 sundays. The minimum is about 15 marks a month.

The camp is at the outskirts of a little industrial town and at about 10 minutes walk from the mine. It is composed of 2 large wooden barracks in a compound planted with trees and makes a pleasant impression.

The rooms are of different sizes, one accommodating 27 men, another 23 and others 17. None of the rooms is overcrowded; they are furnished with double tier beds and enough tables and benches, the prisoners taking their meals in their sleeping quarters; each of them has 2 blankets plus the private ones. Some time ago a few bugs were found in one of the barracks; it was fumigated at once and they have disappeared for the time being.

Washing facilities in a special barrack with hot running water; hot baths every day at the mine.

No complaint about the food which is cooked by the firm; facility for the cooking of private food in the rooms.

Red Cross parcels issued at the rate of one parcel a week; stock for about 5 weeks.

Clothing condition generally good at the moment; each man has only one uniform but in good condition; there are a tailor and a cobbler in the camp; working overalls are provided by the firm.

No canteen but some articles can be bought from the worker canteen at the mine; beer for sale.

There is no recreation room in this camp; there is however a good band. Books as well as indoor games are provided by the Stalag.

Sport facilities; football and cricket can be played on a field just outside the camp.

Medical attention is given here in the same way as in the above camp. However, owing to the greater distance from the lazaret it is sometimes difficult to get a doctor in case of emergency. The delegates suggested to the Stalag officer to arranged that a British doctor of a nearby work camp could come to this camp in case of need.

Dental treatment is given by a civil dentist who does every kind of dental work.

The Man of Confidence complained that the correspondence with the chief Man of Confidence in the main camp takes always about 3 weeks time; that means that he never receives a reply before about 6 weeks time; the accompanying German officer was asked to report the matter to the camp commander and to ask him to take some steps in view to accelerate it.

Further the Man of Confidence complained that very often new prisoners arrive to his camp without having been told that they will have to work in a coal mine; as that sort of work is not particularly sought after they are often very disappointed and it leads sometimes to difficulties for the Man of Confidence. The German accompanying officer promised to see that the necessary steps are taken in view to have the prisoners exactly informed before they leave the main camp of the sort of work they are going to do.

This camp can be described as good; there were no serious complaints and the spirit seemed high.

The number of prisoners has been reduced and the two very bad rooms on the first floor of the building have been evacuated, but otherwise there is no improvement in this detachment.

The water supply is just as bad as before and the building is still infested with rats and mice.

Further the working conditions are rather worse than before as recently the prisoners had hardly one sunday free out of 5.

Besides the Man of Confidence complained that the British cook, the only prisoner who does not go out to work, has to clean up every day the rooms of the German guards.

This detachment is still very bad and strong representations will be made to the German High Command which will be asked to have the prisoners removed from the place.

Medical attention in this camp is said to be satisfactory. In case of need, a British doctor from a nearby work camp is available.

Mining work. 23 men work above ground and the rest underground. For the underground work there are two dayshifts of 9 hours work. As a rule the prisoners have to work 3 Sundays out of 4; they are paid 70 pfng. a day minimum.

The camp is composed of 3 new wooden barracks each one with a passage in the middle and rooms on both sides; there are 12 men in each room and there is no overcrowding; double tier beds and 2 blankets per man plus the private ones; central heating, satisfactory; electric lighting but the bulbs are too weak and stronger ones have already been ordered.

There is in every barrack a washroom with 8 taps for hot and cold water; bathing every day at the mine; toilets of the flush type in every barrack satisfactory.

The food is provided by the firm and cooked by civilian women; it was said to be satisfactory.

Up to the present there is no satisfactory way of cooking the private food; there is one stove at disposal in the kitchen but it can be used by the prisoners only between 5 pm. and 9pm. which means that the prisoners of the afternoon shift have no opportunity of cooking their food; the matter was discussed thoroughly with the Manager of the mine who promised definitely to provide some other cooking facilities, either electrical or with coal. Red Cross parcels are issued at the rate of one parcel a week and there is a stock for 5 weeks.

Every prisoner has only one uniform but working overalls are provided by the firm for all the men; some clothing is expected from the main camp. There are a cobbler and a tailor in the camp who can repair the uniforms and the boots.

There is no canteen but some articles can be brought in shops in the town; however the Man of Confidence experienced some difficulties in changing the camp money into normal money; the difficulty lies in a lack of organisation on the side of the German authorities; in every town there are some shops where prisoners can buy things by paying in camp money but it seems that in this area no shops have yet been appointed. The accompanying German officer is going to look into the matter and have the question settled.

The camp which exists since November 29, 1942 has not yet received the visit of a padre.

Up to now there were no sport facilities but it was arranged with the Manager of the mine that a field outside the compound will be put at the disposal of the prisoners for that purpose. There is no football but the Legations representatives arranged for a football to be sent from a nearby detachment.

There is a good recreation room but not enough musical instruments; more of them will be bought with the camp fund.

There is a small library and in addition books are regularly received from the main camp; few indoor games but an application has been made to the Stalag.

This camp has its own British doctor, Capt. R. Roberston, who is helped by 3 British medical orderlies. There is a spacious and well furnished infirmary with 8 beds and a well equipped treatment room.

At the time of our visit there were 6 patients lying in bed in the infirmary, none of them being a serious case. There is a relatively high percentage of cases of rheumatism and athletic food in this camp which seem to be due to the special working conditions.

Besides the sunday work there was a complaint that a certain number of prisoners have to work in water down the pit; some of them are provided with rubberboots but it does not constitute a sufficient protection if they have to work for many hours in the water; that question was discussed with the Commander of prisoners of war in Wehrkreis VIII who is going to look into the matter.

Besides when the work has to be interrupted for some technical reason for a certain time the prisoners have to work longer to replace the lost time; it happens often too that as a punishment for small offences the men have to work several hours more than their daily work.

As a whole this detachment is a good one; the material conditions are satisfactory except for the few shortcomings mentioned and which will be, it is hoped, soon suppressed; the only black spot are the working conditions which are unfortunately about the same in all the mining detachments visited.

The prisoners are working in a coal mine; 9 hours a day effective work in 3 shifts, 2 dayshifts and 1 nightshift. The prisoners have, as a rule, to work 3 Sundays out of 4 without compensation during the week; they earn at least 70 pfng. a day.

The rooms are of different sizes lodging between 30 and 39 men. Double tier beds; two blankets plus private ones; heating by stone coal stoves sufficient; lighting and ventilation adequate. In one room, No.5 there are not enough sitting facilities for all the men but the matter was settled on the spot.

Washing facilities (14 taps running water) hardly sufficient but will be improved. Bathing every day at the mine.

The food is cooked by British prisoners and there was no complaint. Facility for the cooking of private food is provided. Red Cross parcels issued at the rate of one parcel a week; stock for 5 weeks.

Every prisoner has only one uniform; not in very good condition; however as overalls are provided, the men are not working in their uniforms; application has already been made to the main camp for some new uniforms. There are in the camp two tailors and two cobblers.

Up to now there were some difficulties for the washing of the laundry which was given out; but each prisoner could have his laundry washed only once in 3 weeks; however the matter has been satisfactorily settled and from next week there will be a special washplace for the camp and a woman washing only for the prisoners.

Sport facilities are provided as well as entertainments; there is a concert hall and theatre hall on the top of the building with a stage and shows are regularly produced; however dance music (full dance band) and light plays are needed; YMCA will be informed of these wishes. The same for indoor games which are completely missing. Books are provided by the main camp.

This mine has its own doctor who looks also after the British patients. The latter are furthermore attended by 3 medical orderlies. There is an infirmary with 4 beds. Drug supply is comparatively good as the firm is very helpful in getting them.

In this camp too there seems to be a rather high percentage of rheumatic conditions and athletic feet.

2) the protective helmets which they have received are not adequate (old police helmets)

3) when for some technical reason the work has to be interrupted during a certain time, the prisoners have to work longer to replace the lost time.

Except for these complaints this detachment can be described as good; the material conditions are sufficient and the treatment by the German guards is correct.

The prisoners have to work in a coal mine in 2 shifts, one morning shift and one afternoon shift; they work 8 3/4 hours a day. They are free one sunday out of three without compensation for sunday-work. The minimum pay is 70 pfng. a day.

The camp which is situated at the outskirts of a small industrial town consists of 3 modern wooden barracks with a central passage and rooms on both sides.

8 to 10 prisoners are accommodated in every room and the accommodation can be described as ample; the heating is adequate but the lighting is not quite sufficient and after discussion with the representative of the employer it was decided that stronger bulbs will be provided.

Washing facilities adequate with a washroom with running water in each hut; bathing every day at the pit; however there was a complaint that half of the showers were damaged and therefore out of use; thus the prisoners have to wait a long time till all have taken their bath; the firm promised to have them repaired at once.

Toilet facilities in each barrack; adequate. There was a complaint that there were no latrines at the pit; the matter was discussed and the representatives of the pit promised to have some built at once.

No complaint about the food which is cooked by one of the prisoners; cooking facilities for private food in winter in the rooms and in summer in the kitchen. 5 weeks stock of Red Cross parcels.

Each prisoner has only one uniform; only working trousers are provided, the result being that, even if they do not actually work in their uniform jackets they have to bring them down into the pit in view to have a protection against the cold when they come out; thus they are no longer in good condition; the representative of the firm stated that he was quite willing to provide working jackets but that he did not receive the permission from the authorities to buy some. That question was raised with the Commander of the prisoners of war in Wehrkreis VIII, who agreed to look into the matter.

The prisoners experienced up to now some difficulty for the washing of their laundry, having no possibility to boil it; it was therefore decided with the firm that they will build a small barrack with a boiler for that purpose and two prisoners will be in charge of the whole washing.

There is a recreation room but the prisoners are no longer allowed to use it since one of them tried to escape from it; the accompanying officer promised to have an enquiry made about it and the matter fixed up.

Sports outfit is there but there are no sport facilities, the compound being too small to play inside. The accompanying officer gave orders to the Kommandoführer to take at once the necessary steps in view to find a sportfield where the prisoners could play during their free time.

There is no canteen and up to now no possibility to buy anything in town; the matter will be settled by the Stalag.

Capt. N.S. Seaford deals with the medical attention in this camp. He is assisted by one British medical orderly. The infirmary consists of one ward with 8 beds and a well equipped treatment room. There is still a rather good stock of drugs, but medical supply from Stalag is bad.

At the time of our visit, 6 patients were lying in the ward, one of them suspect of pulmonary tuberculosis, an other of gastric ulcer.

For dental treatment the men can go to the Kattowitz military dental station, where they get satisfactory care.

The British doctor complained that it was very difficult to get the very sick men to the Stalag, as the local responsible civil doctor comes only very seldom to this camp. The accompanying Stalag officer promised to arrange that the civil doctor would visit the camp more often.

A man, Priv. A. Russel was presented to the doctor delegate having a very large shrapnel wound scar on his right shoulder and a very definite and evident arthritis in his left shoulder-joint. This man had to work in the mine with the others. The accompanying Stalag officer was asked to have that man put on light overground work. He promised to take the necessary steps.

The Stalag officer was also asked to see that white bread would be provided for 4 men suspect of gastric ulcer.

There was a complaint that collective punishment is often practised in this camp; the accompanying German officer reproved very severely the Kommandoführer for it and made quite clear to him that it should not happen again; it is therefore hoped that the matter is settled.

Further there was a complaint that some of the prisoners have sometimes to work in water without a sufficient protection of rubber boots. That question too has been discussed with the Commandeur of prisoners of war in Wehrkreis VIII who will look into the matter.

This detachment cannot be described as bad, the material conditions being as a whole satisfactory; all the deficiencies could be easily corrected if the Kommandoführer would only take some interest in the prisoners; however it is hoped that after the visit of the Legations representatives some improvements will be noticed; that detachment will be as far as possible visited again.

The prisoners work in a coal mine in three shifts of 9 hours work (2 day and 1 night shift). In the beginning the prisoners had to work 2 sundays out of 4 but now they have to work 3 sundays out of 4 without compensation during the week. Minimum pay 70 pfng. a day.

145 men are lodged in a wooden huts camp; 18 men per room; no overcrowding; central heating satisfactory; not enough cupboards but they have been ordered some time ago and are expected; lighting weak; the matter has been discussed with the firms representatives who promised to have it improved.

Excellent washing and bathing facilities in special barrack besides bathing at the pit; toilet facilities adequate in special barrack.

The rest of the prisoners are accommodated in a school about 300 yards away from the camp.

The accommodation is sufficient with 20 men in a room. Double tier beds and two blankets per man; heating and lighting sufficient.

No complaint about the food which is cooked by civilian women; the rations are controlled by the Man of Confidence. In the barracks camp facility for the cooking of private food adequate but no facility in the school; the question was discussed with the firm's representatives who agreed to take the necessary steps to have cooking facilities installed.

Each man has one uniform; they are not in bad condition; all the working prisoners have working overalls provided by the firm. There are in the camp a tailor and a cobbler.

No canteen in the camp; the prisoners will be allowed to buy some articles at the cooperative shop of the little town which is run by the firm.

There is no recreation room and the firm was asked by the Legation's representative to have one provided; it seems that at least a concert hall and theatre could be arranged in the attics of the school; the manager of the firm promised to do something about it.

This camp has not yet received any books, games nor sports outfit. The YMCA will be asked to do if possible something about it.

Dr. Schultz, a German civil doctor, is the medical officer in charge in this camp. Furthermore, the patients are attended by 5 British medical orderlies.

The infirmary is adequate and consists of a ward with 10 beds and a rather well equipped treatment room. For X-ray examinations the patients are taken to the local civil hospital.

At the time of our visit, there were 3 patients in the infirmary and 4 in the hospital in Kattowitz.

Dental treatment is given by a good civil dentist. 4 men are allowed to go to him each week.

It must be said that the German doctor's behaviour towards the patients is absolutely correct and that he does his best to help them.

From the material point of view this camp is certainly not bad and with a few improvements it will be a good camp.

However there seem to have been difficulties; the manager complained that in the first weeks specially the prisoners did not work properly and that they often made some sabotage in the pits; on the other hand the prisoners complained that they are badly treated as being Jews and that the German civilian guards down in the pits illtreat them often for a trifle. It is very difficult to have a justified opinion of the situation it seems that in the beginning some of the prisoners made some trouble and that the Germans took these opportunities to treat the prisoners very roughly.

The two following prisoners were killed by German civilian guards down in the pits:

Sapper Ezra Nasser, pow. No. 6334, Royal engineers Palestinian on the 13th of February 1943 and

Signalman Isaak Zasler, pow. No. 4733, Royal signal corps Palestine on the 25th of February, 1943.

For the last one there was no witness. Both were killed by bullets. The results of the inquiries are not yet at hand.

The Legations representative took the opportunity to make it quite clear as well to the mine's managers as to the German Kommandoführer that the Jewish and Palestinian prisoners of was were British soldiers and had to be treated exactly in the same manner as the other British prisoners; their attention was drawn on the seriousness of that question.

Work in a coal mine in 3 shifts of 8 1/2 hours each (morning afternoon and night). About 100 men do surface work and have to work 9 hours. Work every second sunday without compensation. Pay: 70 pfng. minimum.

The camp situated in the village is composed of 4 old one storey brick buildings. The accommodation varies form 8 to 20 men according to the size of the rooms; all the men sleep in double tier beds with two blankets each. Central heating is rather poor in some of the rooms and it was arranged with the manager of the firm to have the ventilation improved in these rooms.

Washing facilities in each barrack; sufficient; the ventilation will be improved too.

There was no complaint about the food which is cooked by civilians, control over the rations by the Man of Confidence. Facilities for the cooking of private food on coal stoves in all the barracks and on one large stove in a small hut in the courtyard; the firm, for that purpose, provides the prisoners with 8 tons of coal monthly during the winter and 7 during the summer.

Each prisoner has one uniform; some of them are in rather bad condition but the Man of Confidence has already applied for a supply from the main camp. The camp is well provided with underwear. A tailor and a cobbler are in the camp. Each working prisoner is provided with a working overall by the firm.

Prisoners have every facility either to give their laundry to be washed out or to wash it themselves.

It is decided that a wall inside one of the barracks will be pulled down in view to reunite two rooms for a recreation room. The prisoners living there will find accommodation in two rooms which were unoccupied up to the present. However, as that recreation room will be rather too small for all the men to sit in, the large civilian canteen nearby will be put at the disposal of the prisoners every free Sunday for their concerts or theatrical performances. There are two bands in the camp, one large one with about 30 instruments and a smaller one with about 15. Books and indoor games are there some lectures on different subjects are going to be organised and a British teacher sent from the main camp.

Sporting facilities are there and the prisoners are allowed to play football on a field outside the camp. Boxing gloves are requested and that wish will be communicated to the YMCA.

The incoming mail was said to be generally satisfactory, except for the Canadian mail which is slow.

Capt. D.W. Lacey is in charge of the medical attention in this camp. He is assisted by one medical orderly. There is a small ward with 4 beds and a small but adequately furnished dressing room.

At the time of our visit, there were 3 sick in the ward, one of them suffering from pneumonia.

The doctor asked to have one more medical orderly. The Stalag officer told the delegates that it was already decided to send a second medical orderly to this camp.

The doctor also asked for sheets and bed tables for the ward. The representative of the firm promised to satisfy these desiderata.

Minor dental case is given by the local civil dentist. Otherwise the men have to be sent to Stalag VIII B.

1) 6 prisoners are occupied by a special firm at stone drilling and exploding in the pits; the civilian working for that firm do work only one Sunday out of four while the prisoners had to work 2 Sundays out of 4; the matter was discussed with the manager of the mine who agreed that these prisoners ought not in the future to work more than 1 Sunday out of 4.

2) The Man of Confidence and the British interpreter are no longer paid since December last; there was a controversy to know if they have to be paid by the firm or by the Stalag and the accompanying German officer promised to have the matter cleared up.

3) The prisoners were not allowed to have a picture taken of the grave of one of their comrades who died last year in this camp, in view to have it sent to the family of the deceased; the accompanying German officer gave orders to the German Kommandoführer to have a picture taken by a photograph and thus the matter is satisfactorily settled.

The accommodation in old buildings is certainly not as comfortable as in new modern barracks but it is sufficient; on the other hand the treatment of the prisoners is fair as well from the side of the employer as from the side of the Kommandoführer. It can be described as a fairly good detachment.

The prisoners work at the railway: loading and unloading wagons; some help at the building of a line. They work 8 hours daily, some on accord. As a rule Sunday free; occasionally some of the prisoners have to work on Sunday but it is compensated by a day off in the week. Pay: 70 pfng. a day.

The camp, situated outside the town near pine woods is composed of modern wooden barracks.

There is in each barrack a very large room containing about 80 prisoners; they sleep in double tier beds and have two blankets each. Heating with coal stoves and lighting sufficient. All the shutters and the greatest part of the windows are shut the whole night and the ventilation is thus absolutely insufficient; the question was raised with the accompanying German officer who promised to have the ventilation improved.

Toilet facilities sufficient; one latrines barrack and besides some latrines in every barrack for the night use. However it was said that these latrines were sometimes smelling and covers have been ordered; besides the Legation's representatives asked that they be emptied regularly and more often.

There was no complaint about the food which is cooked for the prisoners outside the camp in a kitchen of the "Arbeits-front" an organisation of the party; as Jews are not allowed to enter that kitchen the Man of Confidence experiences the greatest difficulty in controlling the food rations; the German accompanying officer explained that the Man of Confidence is allowed there but only accompanied by a German guard. He must ask everytime that he wants to go there and the Legation's representatives advised him to go there and control the food regularly. Facilities for cooking private food adequate. Red Cross parcels stock till the end of April. The accompanying German officer thought that it would be infinitely better if the prisoners had a kitchen of their own in the camp where they could cook in their own way and he will make that suggestion to the competent authorities.

About 75% of the prisoners have two uniforms and some more have already been applied for in the main camp. Clothing condition generally not bad. No working overalls.

The laundry is washed for the whole camp by 3 prisoners in a special washroom; satisfactory.

No canteen and up to now no possibility to buy anything in town; that question will be dealt with and settled by the accompanying officer.

There is no recreation room and it will be very difficult to have one provided as the barracks are all occupied and as it is more and more difficult for the employers to receive the permission to erect new barracks; it is of course a great shortcoming for a camp of more than 250 men. There is a small band but an accordion is needed and this wish will be communicated to the YMCA. Books and indoor games have been sent from the Stalag.

Sport outfit is there but no field at disposal; the German accompanying officer promised to see to it that an adequate field be found.

A German Stabsarzt from a nearby lazaret controls medical attention in this camp. There are 4 British medical orderlies here to attend the patients. There is a spacious ward with 20 beds and a good dressing room. At the time of our visit, 10 patients were accommodated in the infirmary.

The actual German doctor (who will be soon replaced by an other) does not seem to be very helpful to the patients. In the discussion about insufficient ventilation in the sleeping quarters during night his view was that there was no scientific reason to have the windows opened or to have special air-holes in a wooden hut, even for 80 men sleeping in it, owing to the diffusion of gases which takes rather easily place through wooden walls. When he was asked if the beds of the infirmary could not be provided with sheets, he told the delegate that this was impossible "for technical reasons" which he could not reveal.

Furthermore, when he was asked why no diet had been given to patients for whom he had himself prescribed such, he answered that special food for dietary treatment could only be delivered to lazarets. According to the information the delegates got at the headquarters of this military district this assertion is not true. Therefore the delegate asked the military commander of that district to settle these points in camp E 479.

From the material point of view, with the exception of the few shortcomings mentioned before, the camp is not bad; but the Man of Confidence complained that the prisoners were often insulted as Jews by some guards and by the commander of the guards company. They seem to have been sometimes slightly beaten up but up to now there were no serious troubles; in the Legation representatives opinion the great fault is to insult them as Jews so as to make them believe that for instance a punishment might be deserved is given only on the account of the Jewish race of the prisoner. This might lead to future troubles and the question was raised very seriously with the General Commander of the prisoners of war in the Wehrkreis VIII. He was asked by the inspectors to see that Jewish prisoners be treated exactly like the others.

These two detachments are together in the same camp; they are doing the same sort of work and have the same Man of Confidence.

As these two detachments are going to be dissolved in the middle of April and the prisoners transferred to another place, only the points considered as important will be dealt with in this report.

Railway construction work; 9 hours work a day; no work on Sunday except occasionally and in that case compensation during the week. Pay 70 pfng. a day.

The camp is composed of a large wooden hut, rather old but in good condition. 18 men accommodated in each room; no overcrowding.

No complaint about the food which is cooked by civilian workmen with the aid of the prisoners. Facilities for the cooking of private food; 3 weeks stock of Red Cross parcels.

There was a complaint that the blankets provided by the firm are getting rather thin and worn out, but nothing will be done as this camp is going to be dissolved in a month time.

General labouring work (building roads, houses etc). The majority of the prisoners is working 9 hours daily; 20 of them who are specialists are free on Sundays and the others have to work about one Sunday out of three without compensation; a party of about 35 prisoners who work every day in the nearby town 11 hours are always free on Saturdays and Sundays. The pay is 70 pfng. a day.

The camp which lies just outside of a large village is composed of three wooden huts in good condition; it is adjacent to a camp for civilian workers (French, Poles, Germans).

The accommodation is ample, 4 NCOs sharing some smaller rooms and 12 other ranks the other larger rooms. Double tier beds with 2 blankets each; heating with iron stoves and electric lighting adequate.

Washing and showerbaths with hot and cold running water every day in a special hut; excellent.

The food is cooked by civilians in the kitchen of the nearby civilian camp; two prisoners complained about it but several NCOs and men asked about it declared that it was the same as in other camps where they had been and that they had nothing to complain about; therefore no complaint was made to the camp authorities but the Man of Confidence was asked by the Legation's representatives to keep an eye on the kitchen and to have the rations controlled regularly.

Facilities for the cooking of private food adequate; Red Cross parcels stock for 3 weeks.

The clothing condition was said to be pretty good; every prisoner has two uniforms; no working suits are provided; the Man of Confidence asked if one of the prisoners who is doing a particularly dirty mechanical work could be provided with an overall; this will be asked from the firm by the camp authorities. 2 tailors and 2 cobblers are working in the camp at repairing uniforms and boots.

There is no real canteen in the camp but some articles and chiefly lemonade and beer can be purchased at the civil canteen; however the prisoners have the greatest difficult in procuring razorblades.

This camp has already been visited by both the Church of England and the Roman Catholic padres; besides a Church of England service is read every Sunday by some of the prisoners alternatively.

There was up to now a good recreation room and theatre in a special barrack; unfortunately it is going to be pulled down being needed somewhere else for other purposes, for the time being the civil canteen will be put at the disposal of the prisoners when they have a show or a concert and there is in the camp a small room which will be used for the rehearsals.

Medical attention in this camp is given by Capt. L.F. Smith, assisted by 4 medical orderlies.

There is an adequate infirmary with 5 beds. At the moment there is one patient lying in the ward.

The British doctor has every facility and freedom for treating his people and deciding over fitness or unfitness for work. He also deals with the medical attention or a nearby Russian camp of some 1000 prisoners of war.

This camp makes the best of impression; the collaboration with the camp authorities is excellent and the spirit among the prisoners is very high; the British Man of Confidence seems to be for a good part responsible for it.

Following points mentioned in report on certain dependent working detachments Stalag VIII B visited by representatives Swiss Legation Berlin sixth and eighth March: Kommando E456 containing thirty six Jewish and Palestinian prisoners washing facilities non-existent. Former man of confidence had complained about bad food unsuccessfully and on refusal of prisoners to work as protest to non-reply man confidence was maltreated. Prisoners assembled on public square and insulted by Company Commander on grounds Jewish nationality.

Kommando E490 man confidence complained prisoners locked in barracks at nightfall trousers and shoes removed. Similar practice noticed in many other Kommandos.

Kommando E62 number of prisoners reduced and attics evacuated but otherwise no improvement and working conditions worse than before as prisoners have hardly one Sunday free out of five. Strong representations will be made to German High Command concerning this very bad detachment.

Following points mentioned in report on further dependent work camps Stalag VIII B visited by representatives Swiss Legation Berlin 9th and 10th March: Kommando E 538 and in other mining detachments prisoners working in pits have insufficient protective clothing against water. Relatively high percentage rheumatic cases.

Kommando E 561 containing 365 Jewish or Palestinian prisoners who complained of ill treatment by civilian guards. Following two Palestinian prisoners killed by civilian guards (see your telegram 1545) Sapper Ezra Nasser Royal Engineers Prisoner of War No.6334 13th February Signalman Isaak Zasler Royal Corps of Signals Prisoner of War No. 4733 25th February. Results of inquiries not yet received.

Kommando E 479 containing 254 Jewish or Palestinian prisoners who complained of beating and insults by guards.

Re Punishment of P/Ws for loss and damage of articles of clothing belonging to Red Cross collective consignments.

As the German High Command holds the control as a trustee over articles of clothing which are sent collectively to P/W by help organisation, the same care will be taken of these articles of clothing as is taken of articles belonging to the German Reich, the regulations as laid down in Para. 1. are also to be applied here in the event of articles of clothing of bulk consignments being lost or destroyed by the negligence of P/Ws. The payment of compensation is an exemplary measure and has to be enforced in every case where the guilt of the P/Ws is proved. The money paid by the P/Ws for articles of clothing of collective consignments which have been lost or damaged is to be added to the PoW Canteen Fund.