TRANSLATION BY THE LONDON DELEGATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS COMMITTEE

Germany

STALAG & LAZARET IV B

Visited on the 25 November 1942 by Dr. Wenger.

Out of a total strength of 2000 prisoners about 21 are British and they are divided as follows:

        In the Camp         4

        At the Infirmary    2

        At the Lazaret    15 (4 T.B.) of whom 3 are Egyptians, 7 are Indians and 1 is an American.

Accommodation

        The huts of the lazaret and of the Stalag are in good condition. The lighting, the heating and the ventilation are adequate.

Food

        This is good and in accordance with the regulations.

Canteen

        This is well stocked.

Hygiene

        The disinfectant installation, the washplaces and the latrines are adequate. Each prisoner can take one hot shower-bath once a week.

Medical Attention

        At the Infirmary, where none save hopeful cases are in residence, are 2 British out of a total of 109 patients. The relations between the prisoner doctors at the Infirmary and the new Staff-doctor (Stabsarzt) are not good, this latter allows the prisoner doctors no initiative or liberty of action.

Lazaret

        The lazaret is furnished with a X-ray apparatus and a Pneumothorax apparatus. The general installation is, however, defective. There are not always enough drugs. The British patients complain that they do not receive parcels. There is an adequate supply of anti-exanthematic vaccine.

Leisure and Religious and Intellectual Needs

        Religious services are regularly held. The Camp also has a Library, an Orchestra and a Theatrical Company.

Pay (see overleaf)

Correspondence

        This functions normally.

Discipline

        This is very strict since the replacement of the Commandant and Camp doctor by others.

Pay

        This is according to regulations.

Interview with the Camp Leaders

        The Camp Leaders were not warned of our approaching arrival until a few minutes before this actually occurred, which caused a great waste of time. The Camp Leaders are not allowed to go to the Infirmary. This order, will, it appears be repealed. The Infirmary and Lazaret doctors cannot meet one another, nor may they take walks, they are confined to barracks after 8.0 p.m. Neither may they attend any functions which take place in the Camp.

Conclusion

        The conditions in regard to housing and hygiene at both the Stalag and the Lazaret are good. The new Commandant is strict but correct in his behaviour, but the new doctor is provocative of unnecessary trouble by his severity and his lack of understanding.

Requests

        These have been sent by special note to the appropriate services concerned.