Stalag IIID

Camp Leader

Man of Confidence

: Sgt. J. Shaw, POW No. 12145

: Pte. M. Molony, POW No. 11738

145 British Prisoners of War, last visited on May 16th, 1944. The Man of Confidence reports that since then there has been a slight change in the working hours, the men now being away from camp about 12 hours daily including the time of travel to and from work. Up to now there has been no Sunday-work, but the Prisoners of War have been informed by the Germans that it may be introduced shortly. However, no further details could be obtained.

In the camp there have been no changes. The two complaints set out in our last report have been dealt with in so far as

2) the promised brick-stove for private cooking has been built and is satisfactory.

The Prisoners of War again complain about the inadequate fuel ration for private cooking. The Germans state that a daily ration of 15 briquettes is allowed apart from the unlimited quantities of wood which every Prisoner of War is permitted to collect while out of camp. As the new stove is most economical and considering the time of the year, it would appear that at the moment the situation in this respect is not a serious one. However, later in the year the matter will be looked into again.

There are still 4 recognized sanitators in this camp. On the day of visit there were 5 patients in the revier but none of them serious cases (stomach trouble, minor injuries etc.) The position regarding medicaments is satisfactory, more or less adequate supplies from both, German and Red Cross sources are being received.

The spokesman of the sanitators reports that for the last six weeks all walks for medical personnel had been stopped. Upon discussing the matter with the Germans it was explained that the sanitators misbehaved by contacting girl-workers from the East (Ostarbeiterinnen) while out of camp and consequently had their walks stopped for the period mentioned. However, these will be resumed shortly, at the same time including permission for the sanitators to swim in a nearby lake.

A few minor points were brought up for discussion with the Germans and settled on the spot. On the whole the situation in this detachment continues to be satisfactory; the treatment by the Germans is fair and the spirit amongst the men high.

Camp Commander

British Man of Confidence

: Hauptmann Eule

: W.O. S. McIntyre, POW No. 42.

120 British Prisoners of War (all from Northern Ireland, the Irish Free State or Dominion citizens of Irish descent), including 17 Non-Commissioned Officers.

As far as material conditions or the camp are concerned there has been no change since our last visit on May 17th, 1944. As a Prisoner of War camp it makes as good an impression as ever and is certainly one of the best in Germany. There are no complaints regarding work or working conditions in either on the part of these Prisoners of War who go out working; by now the men realized the preferential treatment they are enjoying in so many respects.

Furthermore, it can be reported that the atmosphere of unrest and intolerance in the camp, reported on the occasion of our last visit, has undergone a change for the better and today may be described as satisfactory. According to the man of confidence the reason for this unexpected improvement is nothing else but the stage at which the war has arrived: the Prisoners of War now see the end of their captivity approach, a thought fully occupying their minds. In addition the scheme suggested by the Delegate of the Protecting Power when last visiting this camp, whereby a certain number of men from this camp shall be sent regularly to Genshagen holiday-camp, has pleased and found the approval of all Prisoners of War. All round, therefore, things are much easier with one exception: the medical question.

Regarding medical attention as such the man of confidence states that, if taken to the regular German doctor or to a hospital, excellent treatment is being received by every man at any time. The only complaint now still upheld by his comrades being the fact that no British medical officer over paid a visit to this camp. Today more than ever such a visit is desired, particularly in view of the next sitting of the Mixed Medical Commission and the repatriation which may follow. Although the Stabsarzt of Stalag III D recently paid a special visit to this camp, giving all (in the opinion of the Prisoners of War) serious and other cases a thorough examination with regard to a presentation of possible cases to the Mixed Medical Commission, none of the men desire to accept his findings, in spite of the fact that the Stabsarzt is a man of experience in as far as patients, likely to pass the MMC, are concerned. (It may be pointed out that on this occasion the Stabsarzt ordered the transfer to a Berlin hospital of two Prisoners of War who will be examined by the MMC, although in his opinion even these two men are unlikely to pass). A British doctor is still asked for. The matter will therefore again be discussed with the German High Command. Unfortunately, there is not one single British medical officer in this Stalag now and it may prove difficult to fulfil the wish of the Prisoners of War in this camp.

A list of Prisoners of War wishing to be seen by the MMC. has again been forwarded to the OKW.

Otherwise, as pointed out previously, excellent medical treatment is now available at any time by a German doctor and the Delegate of the Protecting Power satisfied himself that in all cases necessary, specialist treatment or at least the opinion of a specialist, has been procured. Unfortunately the number of ailing elderly men is rather large, most of them complaining about stomach trouble and rheumatism.

All in all, however, there has been a definite change for the better since our last visit.

There has been no change since our last visit on May 16th, 1944. At present there are 264 British Prisoners of War enjoying a holiday in this camp; with the exception of two army chaplains all privates from working-detachments all over Germany. The camp leader states that at the moment there are 180 South Africans among the holiday-makers, the idea being to give Prisoners of War from the various parts of the Empire in turn a chance to meet friends or brothers. The next batch of holidayers is to include largely Australian Prisoners of War and so on.

The camp leader states that none of the men had any complaints, on the contrary, they were all very satisfied with their stay here. As a matter of interest a copy of "HERE WE ARE" (the official organ of the holiday camp) as well as a copy of the Genshagen Holiday Camp Programme of August 28th, 1944 (as such published daily) are attached to this report. Members of the Dresden Philharmonic and the Berlin State Opera are now frequent visitors to this camp, in particular the first appearance at Genshagen or Miss Margery Booth, the English born Berlin State Opera singer was a unique event. (see page 9 of "HERE WE ARE") Miss Booth has already paid several visits to Genshagen.

Regretted owing to difficulties of Repro. the booklet entitled "HERE WE ARE" is not being distributed.

Report on detachment 428 Zensdorf visited 28th August containing 145 British Prisoners away from Camp 12 hours daily states latrines improved stove supplied.

961 Friesack visited 29th August contains 120 Irish morale improved no British M.O. this Stalag.

His Majesty's Minister at Berne presents his compliments to His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and has the honour to transmit to him the under-mentioned documents.

Subject: Reply of German authorities concerning medical treatment at Work Detachment 961 Friesach dependant on Stalag III D.

With reference to the note verbale No.XI/497/44 of 12th May, 1944, concerning Work Camp 961 dependent on Stalag III D. The Federal Political Department Foreign Interest Division has the honour to forward to His Majesty's Legation a copy of a memorandum of 26th October, 1944, in which the German Foreign Office states its case.

In transmitting this communication the Swiss Legation at Berlin adds that this Work Camp is in the process of dissolution, and that the prisoners of war who are interned there should soon be transferred to Stalag 14A.

With reference to memorandum No. 273 concerning work detachment 951 Friesack (Stalag III D), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have the honour to communicate to the Swiss Legation, Foreign Interests Division, the following statement by the Military High Command.