DEPARTMENTAL NO.2

FROM BERNE TO FOREIGN OFFICE.

Mr. Norton,

No.1625.

7th May 1942.

D. 9.37 p.m. 7th May, 1942.

R. 3.15 p.m. 8th May, 1942.

        Following is a report made by representatives of the Swiss Legation Berlin on OFLAG VI B visited April 15th, 1942.

        No practical change in the general appearance of the camp which has been described in previous reports but a few more brick barracks and washing and toilet brick buildings are in course of construction though they will not be ready for use for some months. Most of the sleeping and reading rooms are still lighted with oil and carbide lamps which provide insufficient light. Bed linen is only changed every six weeks. Number of orderlies insufficient to keep officers rooms in good order as orderlies have to do other work connected with maintenance of the camp. Number of orderlies will be reduced by 50 as those are being transferred to other camps. Washing and bathing facilities inadequate. Toilet facilities though adequate in number are insufficient from point of view of hygiene. Senior British man of confidence fears sanitary conditions will deteriorate when warm weather begins. Senior British officer complained that parcels were often opened before reaching camp and articles missing especially tobacco. Wagon load which arrived April 3rd had had Red Cross seals removed and replaced by German seals. Legations representatives not allowed to visit parcels room by order of German High Command, on the excuse that the room is considered as a German service room. Rubbish heaps in camp not cleared away often enough. Some complaints that valuables had not been returned to officers. Camp Commander stated that this was done whenever possible except in case of objects which might help escapers. Meat ration recently cut from 300 grammes to 230 weekly on pretext that British prisoners received so many food parcels. Supply of insulin inadequate and dental conditions in camp deteriorating due to lack of fresh vegetables and animal fat in diet. Dentists asked for certain articles and these requirements have been communicated to International Red Cross Committee and their attention drawn to the lack of insulin. German authorities still refuse to allow money from the benefit fund for assistance to British soldiers prisoners of war to be transferred from one camp to another on grounds that prisoners of war, especially those in hospital, need no other help. On the whole camp makes bad impression. No improvements seem to have been made since last visit; though commander is understanding, some of the German officers of lower rank are not. All complaints have been discussed with local camp authorities and any which they refuse or cannot correct have been taken up with the German High Command. (Ends)

        I have requested Swiss Government to make urgent representations to German Government.