Serial No. 1892

From: The War Office (Directorate of Prisoners of War).

To: The Foreign Office (Prisoners of War Department).

Subject: Points Raised on Visit of Protecting Power to Stalag Luft 3.

        Reference Protecting Power report on their visit to Stalag Luft 3 on 26th October, 1943.

        1. It appears from the report under reference that, on the occasion of the above visit, points were raised by the Camp Leader on which the opinion of the British Authorities is requested.

        2. The first point relates to the order issued by the German Authorities that prisoners of war who attempt to escape in German uniforms or civilian clothes render themselves liable to trial on the ground of espionage or similar charges.

        3. As it was pointed out in War Office letter 0103/4996 (P.W.2.) dated 2nd October, 1943, it is not considered that the mere fact that a prisoner of war who after an attempt to escape is recaptured wearing civilian clothes or German uniform constitutes a prima facie ground for proceedings for espionage or activity as a franc tireir.

        4. Further, a question is raised concerning a Czech national serving in the Royal Air Force, F/O. Zapletal. This officer is stated to have been recommended for repatriation by the Mixed Medical Commission and was actually warned to be ready to leave with the party sent home in the recent operation. His name was included by the Germans in the list of those who were to be repatriated via Gottenburg. He was not, however, permitted to leave.

        5. Since this officer when captured was a member of the British forces he should be regarded as a British prisoner of war. It is considered therefore that he should have been included in the recent repatriation operation. The attention of the German Government has already been drawn to the omission of this officer by the inclusion of his name in List 1 attached to Foreign Office Note to the Swiss Legation KW2/33 dated 10th December, 1943.

        6. It is requested that the Protecting Power may be asked to bring the above views to the notice of the German Authorities and also to inform the Camp Leader at Stalag Luft 3.

(Signed E.C. Gepp)

Director of Prisoners of War.

P.W.2.

19 January, 1944.

MAYfair 9400 Ex: 485

Curzon Street House.