CONFIDENTIAL

No.340.

BRITISH/AMERICAN

RESERVE-LAZARETT ROTTENMÜNSTER / ROTTWEIL

Date of visit: January 30, 1944.

Reference is made to the last report No.289, dated October 28, 1943.

1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

        The organization has remained unchanged and can be considered satisfactory with regard to the wards, the sanitary equipment and installations.

2. CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL:

        The different nationalities are quartered in separate wards and do not mix. The section for prisoners of war although in the same building, is separated from the German Lazaret. Only the operations are carried out in the Theatre there.

3. INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS:

        The Officers' rooms are now satisfactory. On the whole, there is no overcrowding.

4. WASHING AND BATHING FACILITIES:

        There is sometimes a shortage of hot water. Weekly showers have now been promised.

5. TOILET FACILITIES:

        There is a great need of toilet paper. An adequate supply was promised, although the German Authorities have great difficulties in obtaining such paper.

6. FOOD AND COOKING:

        Red Cross food and Invalid Comfort parcels, both British and American, have been received in the meantime. The stock of 296 American food parcels has been transferred from Stalag V B to this Lazaret. It has been again requested to have a British and an American prisoner of war sent to Stalag V B as representatives for this Lazaret (for distribution of the mail, parcels and Red Cross articles) as there are no British nor American prisoners of war at this Stalag at present.

        An Indian cook and sweeper is urgently needed.

        With regard to the German food supply, the ration of bread was said to be too small, but it corresponds to the quantity foreseen for prisoners of war.

7. MEDICAL ATTENTION AND STATE OF HEALTH:

        The British Medical Officer is now satisfied with the arrangements. It seems, however, that the dental treatment received by the French dentist at the Stalag V B is rather careless. The case will be closely examined by the German Medical Officer.

        The Indian tuberculosis cases (13) are still here. They have received additional blankets and the British Medical Officer declared that they get proper treatment, so that they incur no risk at all if they have to remain at this Lazaret.

        The general state of health is considered as good by the British Medical Officer who is satisfied with the healing process of his patients.

        American medical parcels have been requested from the I.R.C.C. but have not been received up to date.

        The recognition of American medical orderlies by the Authorities of Stalag V B seems to meet no more particular opposition.

        As there were no transports organized from Stalag V B to this Lazaret since the last visit, it cannot be ascertained whether the conditions might have improved or not in this respect.

        As to the treatment of the protected personnel, a definite time should be fixed for daily walks, as, otherwise, the orderlies have to wait too long for the guards who accompany them. Owing to the lack of the sufficient number of guards, it seems difficult to organize these walks regularly. With regard to the patients to be proposed for the examination by the Mixed Medical Commission, it is referred to the enclosed list, giving the names of 30 men.

8. CLOTHING:

        Although urgent requests were made in September and December 1943 to the I.R.C.C. for clothing, no consignment has been received yet. The representative of that organization has paid a visit to this Lazaret in November 1943 and was fully informed about the very bad situation prevailing here. At Stalag V B there are, according to the statements made by the German Authorities, no British nor American uniforms available.

        There are 36 patients, ready to leave this Lazaret, but as they have no clothing at all (only German Lazaret-clothing) they could not be discharged yet. They will be given French uniforms now.

        The most urgent need is felt for boots, as there is no repair-material available at all. The German Authorities were requested to provide for the necessary articles at once, but they seem to be unable to cope with such a demand, as the supply of such articles to a Lazaret is very limited.

9. LAUNDRY:

        The washing of bed-linen is done twice a month which is absolutely insufficient, as there are mostly surgical cases who stain the sheets more frequently than other patients. It was promised to remedy the situation.

10. MONEY AND PAY:

        Irregular.

11. CANTEEN:

        A French barber is now attached to this Lazaret, but his activity proves nevertheless insufficient. Razorblades are needed. The situation will be re-examined by the Authorities.

12. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY:

        As there are over a hundred patients or protestant creed, a British clergyman would be very appreciated. It has been promised to have such a priest attached to this Lazaret as soon as possible.

13. RECREATION AND EXERCISE:

        No complaint with regard to the provisions taken for the patients.

14. MAIL:

        The letters mailed for the United States of America reach the States only after a period of 5 months on an average, whereas the incoming mail is quite regular and has ever improved recently.

15. WELFARE WORK:

        A visit from the representative of the Y.M.C.A. would be very much appreciated.

16. COMPLAINTS:

        The previous complaint is satisfactorily settled, as the treatment has greatly improved.

        New points raised: (except the afore-mentioned)

        (1) Information was asked about the military incorporation (Rgt. number etc.) of the patients. As this is contrary to the Geneva Convention, the German Authorities were reminded that they are not entitled to such enquiries. The patients moreover were told by the British Medical Officer to refuse to give the desired indication.

        (2) It seems that tools for the cobbler have been received from the I.R.C.C. but delivery was refused. This was put straight immediately and the articles will be now handed over.

        (3) The following officers are not recognized on the basis of their identity-disk. They should produce the necessary documents.

        Stalag V B, from which this Lazaret is depending for administrative matters, has been informed about the situation. It is requested that the Swiss Legation approaches the respective Governments in order to have these officers recognized in their ranks as soon as possible (particularly with regard to their pay). Otherwise, they are treated for the moment as officers, so that it is practically merely a question of financial import.

17. DISCIPLINE:

        The discipline is judged by the British Medical Officer as good as possible under the circumstances. It is rather problematic to maintain order amongst the various classes the patients are belonging to. There are Indians and Arabs who are also very difficult to handle from the medical point of view.

        Two Arabs, who are presumably going to join the Legion, are continuously trying to breach the discipline. They should be removed, as they are healthy.

        The Authorities were quite aware of these cases, but it is felt that they take a different point of view with regard to the behaviour of these Arabs. Anyhow, they promised to have them sent off soon.

        In general, the morale is said to be very good and the patients seem more optimistic than the doctors.

18. TREATMENT:

        The German Medical Officers, in the eyes of the British and American Medical Officers, behave quite as Gentlemen and the cooperation is very correct and satisfactory.

        The guards have recently changed their manners of treating the prisoners of war to the better and it is felt that they are now considerate in every respect.

19. GENERAL IMPRESSION:

        Contrary to the opinion expressed in the previous report, the situation in this Lazaret has in the meantime fortunately become much better for British and American prisoners of war. The conditions and the treatment might be considered satisfactory.

        It is felt that the running of this Lazaret will still improve under the direction of the very efficient and absolutely decent German Medical Officer, Stabsarzt Dr. Teufel, who has a keen sense of responsibility.

        1 enclosure (list concerning Mixed Medical Commission).

        Berlin, February 11, 1944.

        (Sgd.) Walter BRAUN.

LIST OF NAMES OF PRISONERS OF WAR TO BE BROUGHT BEFORE THE MIXED MEDICAL COMMISSION, AS AT 1ST FEBRUARY, 1944:

X to be brought up a second time