Stalag IIIE

There were only 186 men in the Camp, the three others being under treatment in the neighbouring hospital, two suffering from bullet wounds not yet healed and the third from heart trouble.

163 English, of whom 4 are Poles who, having fought with the British Air Force are considered as British

This is a small camp near a little town. It is apparently to remain a fixed camp and is to be devoted exclusively to N.C.Os. of the British Air Force. At the moment it is not possible to enlarge it.

All the prisoners detained here have passed through the Dulag Luft, with the exception of the 2 medical orderlies who came from Stalag III D.

The Camp was converted into a Prisoners of War Camp in April 1941 and was earmarked for the British on 8th August, 1941. Contrary to most of the camps visited, this camp is not composed of hutments but of four one-storied houses of very pleasant aspect. Three of these houses each form one big room in the first of which live 52 men, in the second 46 and in the third 47. The fourth house comprises, in addition to a dormitory for 44 British, the washroom, the kitchen and the adjoining food store. These four large dormitories are lit by larger windows protected by barbed wire.

The bunks, in three tiers, are all occupied. The two Camp Leaders have a small room with two beds. One to three feet separates the different series of bunks, and the central space has tables and benches. There is one wardrobe for every three men. A large pottery stove occupies the centre of every room.

At the time of our visit the various rooms were sufficiently heated, but the cold at that time was not very intense. When the temperature is low, however, the prisoners complain that there is not enough heating, partly on account of the shortage of fuel and partly because they only have two blankets. The Commandant of the Camp, in my presence, promised the British to allow them more fuel in future. The stoves also serve as cooking ranges on which the prisoners can prepare their own foodstuffs. This is a contributory cause for the loss of heat.

Coal is delivered every day at 11 o'clock. As the rooms are very large indeed, several hours elapse before they are really warm. Theoretically it is forbidden to heat the dormitories after 9 p.m. but in practice prisoners continue to stoke their fires until an advanced hour of the night.

The dormitories do not vary very much. The dormitory-type measures 24 by 36 feet, and is 12 feet high. The mattresses are made from sawdust and shavings. Every man has two blankets. When the dormitories are better heated, these blankets will be sufficient. In the beginning the British only had one blanket each. On the whole the dormitories are clean, light, but perhaps rather overcrowded.

Each prisoner has 1 coat, 1 tunic, 1 pair of trousers, 2 shirts, 2 pairs of drawers, 1 pair of socks (some of the men have two pairs) 1 pair of sabots with leather linings and 1 pair of simpler sabots with wooden soles and cotton linings, the heel being free. These latter was really sandals with wooden soles.

The British are anxious to have undergarments, since they nearly all wear both their shirts (chemises) at once, and when they are in the wash, they have nothing to change into. They have all kept their proper Air Force uniforms, but their coats and hats are French. The Camp authorities estimate that they still need about 500 pieces of each category of underclothing.

As to their shoes, these are forbidden because of attempts to escape. Even shoes from personal parcels (three such pairs have been received in the camp) are not allowed. The three pairs received have been confiscated and retained by the Camp Authorities. The prisoners do not like their sabots at all. The leather lining cuts them and prevents them from walking freely in the camp and from playing any open-air games such as football, hand-ball, etc. At our request, the Commandant of the Camp will in future authorise the wearing of proper shoes, but only during the hours of exercise. He absolutely refused, in view of the many attempts to escape, to permit the general use of personal shoes or of airmen's boots.

To wind up this matter, we point out also the difficulties in drying linen. The camp being restricted in space, there are no small spaces which can be used by the prisoners, either for drying their linen or for their recreations, etc.

The German food is identical with that supplied in the other camps. The menus for one week are attached. As a general rule the prisoners receive:

Morning:

Dinner:

Supper:

German tea (herbs)

330 gr. bread (for the whole day)

sugar, marmalade and jam (for the whole day)

Soup with vegetables or potatoes

German tea (herbs)

The kitchen is a good large one, run by two German cooks with 3 British assistants. It is impossible for the prisoners to themselves control the food which is also sent to them. During the two first months after their arrival, the prisoners say that they suffered real hunger, but since the reception of the British Red Cross parcels, the morale of the men has completely changed: the prisoners have become gay and the camp is now quite different.

This is to all intents and purposes non-existent, for the simple reason that the prisoners have no money. The canteen is formed of a cupboard in a small room. At the bottom of this cupboard are some cups and plates which are for sale. At the top of the cupboard are some toothbrushes, toothpaste, a few pencils, cigarette-cases and some shampoo powders. If the British had any money, they could buy some lemonade or non-alcoholic beer. In any case they would not find anything to eat there.

The first British Red Cross parcels arrived at the Camp on October 9th, 1941. The last consignment was received on November 12th 1941. The total number of parcels received in the camp is:

All these contained foodstuffs, but no clothing. These parcels are deposited in a small store outside the camp itself. At the moment the Camp Leader has complete control of all food sent to the camp by the different Red Cross Societies. At the beginning difficulties arose from the fact that the camp Authorities wished to incorporate these provisions in the German rations, but they have discontinued that. The Camp Leader would, however, be glad if the store could be situated within the confines of the camp itself so as to be more accessible. The smallness of the camp has not yet enabled him to be satisfied in this respect.

These parcels are very welcome and have altogether changed the atmosphere of the camp. The Camp Leader is trying to build up a stock of food for 2 months.

The parcels are very well made up, but the Camp Leader points out that the sugar packets nearly always burst in transit and that the tea is often bad. The tea is the most essential drink for the camp, as they drink it all day long.

The prisoners also mention that the number of parcels received in the camp is nearly always less than the number intended by the International Red Cross Committee. On the other hand, receipts are often missing from the parcels, both from those of the British Red Cross and from the Canadian parcels.

As to cigarettes, many parcels notified have never been received. No reserve stock has been possible.

(We would mention that food parcels have only been sent for 150 men, whereas there are 189 men in the camp)

a. Baths and Showers Until lately the prisoners, in order to have hot water to wash with, heated the water on their stoves or in the kitchen. But one shower (and only one) and one bathroom are to be installed. The shower will not be functioning for some days, as it has not yet been connected to the pipes. But this will be a great step forward and much appreciated by all. Every prisoner will have facilities for a shower at least once a week.

b. Disinfection There is a complete absence of vermin. On November 5th all the prisoners in Stalag III E were sent to be disinfected at Stalag III A. There their clothes were disinfected and their hair was cut close. This latter measure gave rise to great discontent. At our request the Commandant of the Camp will in future allow those who wish it to grow their hair.

c. Water The prisoners have a washroom with several taps, situated in a heated room. There is no restriction on the use of water.

d. Infirmary A German doctor visits the camp every two days, as well as on request. He is a good doctor and liked by the prisoners. The Infirmary consists of a single small room. There was no one sick at the time of our visit. Serious cases are sent to the neighbouring hospital.

The Medical Comforts are kept by the German doctor who uses them in his treatment of the prisoners.

There is no epidemic to report at the moment. In October 1941 there was a slight epidemic of simple enteritis which was easily suppressed. The state of health is good.

As we said at the beginning, three patients were under treatment in the neighbouring hospital. According to the Camp Leader, food sent to the camp does not reach them. The Commandant of the Camp will in future send their share to them.

Prisoners in need of dental treatment are visited by a civilian dentist. The dental question is now satisfactorily settled.

Two British act as medical orderlies. One of them has his proper papers as a member of the Medical personnel, but the other is not in a position to prove his status as a soldier of the Medical Corps. Neither of them benefit by any special treatment.

a. Religious Services The 19 Catholics in the Camp attend a Catholic Service every Sunday, which is specially held for them in a church in the town. The Protestant Service is held in the camp itself by a N.C.O. who is a British pastor not yet ordained. This latter Service is particularly appreciated by the prisoners.

b. Conferences and Classes The camp is so small than no recreation room has been put at the disposal of the prisoners. Nevertheless they themselves have tried to hold some lectures in one of the four dormitories, but the noise made by the other prisoners prevented them from continuing to do this.

c. Library A small library exists and scientific books are requested. The Censor is now examining a new consignment which has just arrived at the camp.

e. Sports The prisoners have not a single football. In any case, as pointed out by the Camp Leader, it is practically impossible for them to play without boots. The Commandant will in future authorise the wearing of boots, but exclusively during exercise or the playing of games.

f. Music The Camp Leader (See under "Interrogation of Camp Leader") has given a list of the instruments requested. They also desire to have a wireless, but the Commandant of the Camp has no possibility of getting them one.

Only British recently taken prisoner are without news from their families. The average time taken, German to England or vice-versa, is 32 days. Censorship takes place at Camp III E and at Dulag-Luft. This double censorship is exclusively applied to airmen.

At the beginning the Camp Leader had some difficulty in controlling and disposing of the food arriving from England, but now he has a free hand with the disposal of the British Red Cross parcels.

It should be mentioned that the Authorities in the Camp do not allow toilet paper (which would have to be submitted to the Censor) or pepper or mustard.

For some weeks the Camp Leader has had a copy of the Convention in English and also a copy in French. The prisoners can consult it in the Camp Leaders' room.

In September 1941 as a result of some escapes, collective disciplinary measures were taken by the Camp Authorities. All the prisoners were imprisoned in their houses for 10 days. They were not allowed outside except to go to the latrines. "However" the Camp Leader said to us, "We have forgotten these vexations".

We pointed out to the Commandant of the Camp that collective measures are not allowed by the Geneva Convention, to which he replied that these measures had had to be taken in order to prevent further escapes. He has, however, assured us that in future only the guilty ones would be punished.

Attempts to escape are usually punished by 5 days' arrest, the first three days on bread and water and the fourth day on normal diet. The detention cells are in good condition.

These are formed of two huts situated about 10 metres from the two first houses. One of the huts is formed of cubicles. The prisoners complain that they are too cold. In spite of their roofs they are to all intents and purposes open to all winds.

3. Permission to wear real shoes instead of sabots, at least during the hours for sport and exercise.

5. Concerning gifts: Parcels arriving in the camp are fewer in number than those notified. Also the tea is often bad and the sugar packets have burst. Also many receipts are missing.

6. Concerning hygiene: Their shaven heads are strongly resented by the British prisoners. In future they will be able to preserve their hair intact.

7. Permission to send parcels to patients in hospital. This permission has been given by the Commandant of the Camp.

9. Insufficiency of scientific books in the library. Equally of Polish books for the 4 Poles.

11. Musical instruments requested are: Tenor trombone, trumpet, saxophone, clarinet, guitar, accordion, violin and strings, mouth organs, light sheet music, a gramophone and records.

12. The desire the "note-books" which were taken from them in the month of August.

13. They point out that 5 parcels sent from Holland in August have never been received in the camp.

17. The Camp Leader presented to us a man suffering from gastric trouble causing an ulcer. This N.C.O. has already been sent to a neighbouring hospital. He considered that he was not properly looked after and has come back to Stalag III E uncured. At the moment he suffers all the time and it is frequently almost impossible for him to eat the camp food. We have arranged with the German doctor that he should be sent to a new hospital in order to have the necessary examinations made. His name is ALLAN, David, No.46.

18. The Camp Leader also pointed out that at Tripoli the British prisoners were employed in the port on the unloading of Italian ships.

19. Above all, the Camp Leader emphasises the necessity of obtaining financial relief for the men. These airmen, not being allowed to work, are almost all completely without any resources. It appears that negotiations on this subject are taking place through the intermediary of the United States of America.

Considerable progress has been made during the past six weeks, and an even greater change has taken place during the past 15 days.

The prisoners are certainly rather restricted in space, although the camp on the whole made a good impression on us. The Camp Leader is on good terms with the German officers, notably with the Commandant of the Camp.

A very great improvement would result from the allowance of a certain sum every month to these N.C.Os. It should be done for these airmen in the same way as for civilian internees for example, and we ourselves, as well as the Camp Leader, strongly emphasise this face.

The American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and, with reference to Mr. Winant's note RBI-3892 of October 9, 1941, concerning conditions at Stalag III E, has the honor to transcribe below the text of a telegram dated November 17 received from the American Embassy at Berlin:-

"Stalag III E revisited November 12. Conditions considerably improved and camp authorities appear to be making real progress. Parcels arriving at good rate although toilet articles urgently needed as prisoners lack money and canteen for local purchases. Supplementary Red Cross blankets would also be appreciated. Full report follows by mail. MORRIS."

The American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and, with reference to Mr. Winant's note No.RBI-4486 of November 19, 1941, concerning prisoners of war camp Stalag III E, has the honor to transcribe below the text of a telegram which has been received from the American Embassy at Berlin under date of November 22, 1941:-

'Information obtained orally from German High Command that British at Stalag III E will be transferred to Stalag VIII B in early December. MORRIS'

The American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and has the honor to transcribe below the text of a telegram dated November 24, 1941 from the American Embassy at Berlin:

"Flight Sergeant D.E. Bingham, British man of confidence Stalag III E, reports for October following parcels received: British Red Cross 1100 food, 11 medical, 25 tobacco, 15 invalid comforts. Red Cross individually addressed ten food, from friends in Holland 5, from permit holders in England two tobacco. Letters and cards received from British Isles 974, Holland 14, Channel Isles 8, average delivery time three to 4½ weeks, 744 cards, 377 letter cards despatched. MORRIS."

His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs presents his compliments to the United States Ambassador and has the honour to refer to the report on Stalag III E which was enclosed in His Excellency's Note RBI 4589 of 25th November.

2. Though the forthcoming transfer of all British prisoners of war from this camp to Stalag VIII B makes action in regard to the many defects shown to exist there unnecessary, Mr. Eden would be glad if Mr. Winant would take steps to obtain satisfactory assurances for the future from the German authorities in respect of the following breaches of the Prisoners of War Convention, to which, it is noted, their attention has already been drawn by the United States Charge d'Affaires in Berlin.

(a) Confinement of British prisoners of war in a cell unsuitable for the purpose (paragraph II of Report).

(b) Lack of proper medical attention for sick prisoners of war (paragraph VII of Report).

Swiss Government inform me 185 British prisoners at Stalag III E have not yet been transferred to Stalag VIII B although German authorities have stated transfer is to be made. Camp will shortly be visited by Swiss officials and report will be furnished.

United States Embassy had apparently reported on case in telegrams dated 7th October and 22nd November before handing over to Swiss.

In a report of a visit paid on the 17th November last by a delegate of the International Red Cross Committee to Stalag III E which is a camp for non-commissioned officers of the Royal Air Force it is stated that David Allan (P.O.W. No. 46) who was suffering from serious gastric trouble had been sent to a hospital for treatment from which he had been returned to the camp in such a condition that he was unable to eat the food provided there. At the request of the International Red Cross Committee delegate the German doctor of the camp undertook that the prisoner should be sent to a new hospital for further examination. It would be appreciated if the Swiss Legation at Berlin could ascertain whether this was in fact done.