5 i»4i MISCELLANEOUS. No. 7 (19L5). 973 CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN Im HIS MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT AND THE UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR RESPECTING THE TREATMENT OF PEISONERS OF WAR AND INTERNED CIVILIANS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND GERMANY RESPEOTB^LY. [In continuation of " Miscellaneons, No. '> (1915) " : Cd. 7815.] ■ -^ u^ Presented to both Houses oi^Parliament hy Command of His Majesty. ^ April 1915. '^ LONDON: PRINTED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF HIS MAJESTY'S STATIONERY OFFICE By HARRISON and SONS, 45-47, St. Martin's Lank, W.C, Printers in Ordinary to His Majesty. To be purchased, either directly or through any Bookseller, from WYMAN and sons, Ltd., 29, Breams Biii.ping.s, Feiter Lane. E.C.. and 28, Abingdon Street, S.W., and 54, St. Mary Street. Cardiff; or H.M. stationery office (Scottish Branch). 23, Forth Street, Edinbirgh: or E. PONSONBY, Ltd.. 116, Gr-xiton Street. Dibun ; or from the Agencies in the British Colonies and Dependencies, the United States of America and other Foreign Countries of T. FISHER UNWIN, London, \\'.C. I.., .<'' • •' ' UNIVEI^l^T OF CALIFORNIA [Cd. 7817.] Price 9id. at los angeles IL I B R A R Y TABLE OF CONTENTS. No. Xaiue. Date. Subject. Page 1 To Mr. Page Aug. 25, 1914 Prisoners of War Int'nnnatiou Bureau. His Ma- jesty's Goveiumeut have instituted. Are German and Austro-Hungarian Governments taking similar steps? His Majesty's Govern- ment propose to communicate periodical lists of prisoners of war on condition of reciprocity 1 2 To Sir A. Johustone (Telegraphic) 26, British subjects stranded in Germany. Sir E. Grey is sending 2,000/. to be handed to United States Minister at Ths Hague 1 3 Sir A. Johnstoue 26, ■ British subjects stranded in Germany. Sir A. Johnstone has arranged for the transfer of 5,000/. to United States Ambassador in Berlin. Reports steps taken to help British subjects in Germany 1 4 5) it • • • • 28, British subjects stranded in Germany. Eefers to No. 2. Sir A. Johnstone has handed 2,000/. to American Minister at The Hague. . 2 5 Air. Chandler Anderson Sept. 5, British subjects stranded in Germany. American Embassy in London are prepared to arrange for establishment of a credit of 10,000/. with United States Embassy in Berlin 2 6 To Mr. Chandler Anderson.. 5, British subjects stranded in Germany. Refers to No. 5. Transmits order for 10,000/. 3 7 Mr Page 16, Prisoners of \Yar Information Bureau. Eefers to No. 1." German Government have established enquir}' office in Berlin, and are prepared to communicate periodical lists of prisimers of war, also to permit correspondence of such prisoners with their respective countries 3 8 To Mr. Page 21, German prisoners of war. Refers to No. 7. Transmits first list of, and explains method of classification. Sir E. Grey hopes that German Government will furnish first list of British prisoneis without delay 4 10 Mr. Page 11 To Mr. Page 12 Mr. Page 24, Treatment of officer prisoners of war. Refers to No. 7. Statement of rate of pay which will be issued by His Majesty's Government on condition of reciprocity. Letters and postal parcels sent to, or despatched by, prisoners of war, will be conveyed free. Registration and insurance of parcels and letters also free 25, Treatment of officer prisoners of war. Ackuow- ' ledges receipt of No. 9 Oct. 1, Treatment of officer prisoners of war. Refers to No. 9. Explanation of meaning attached by His Majesty's Government to the expression " regular officers." Other prisoners of certain social position will be treated on somewhat similar footing 5, Lists of prisoners of war. Refers to No. 8. First list of prisoners in England received by German Government, who request that in future three separate lists may be sent: (1) j military; (2) naval; (3) civilian; and suggest ! that place of internment should be shown [395] TAIU.K OF rOXTRN'ie. Ml No. Name. Date. Page 13 To Mr. Pag« 14 15 Mr. Pa^e Oct. 13, 1914 13, 16 17 18 tl !» To Mr. Pag-e »J )) 16, 23, 19 i Mr. Page 20 21 To Mr. I'aa-e 31, Nov. 4, ', 22 Mr. Paee 23 To Mr. Page 13, Direct corrc.s|x»ndeiice with Berlin Prisoners 26, Com|iarative conditions in British and German internment camps. Daily dietaries at Knockalcio and Douglas camps show that dietary at llnlili-ben compares very unfavour- alily with British allowance, and is quite inadequate 28 44 ;l » • • • • 20. Treatment of British prisoners in Germany. Report by Major Vandeleur on conditions at Crefeld and treatment of British prisoners after capture, and American press article describing camp at Doberitz. British prisonei-s are ap- parently being badly treated in Germany. His Majesty's Government strongly protest. Refers til proposal that United States officials should su{x;rintend distribution of comforts to British prisoners. Pending considei-ation of this scheme, trusts that United States Government will provide British prisoners with sufficient necessaries 28 45 Mr. Page 24, Mone3' and packages sent to German prisoners J in United Kingdom. (Jerman Government complain of failure to reach addressees 36 46 V « • 29, Need of uniforms for British officers. Refers to No. 33. Military overcoats badly wanted 36 47 Statement issued by Press 29, Report by Mr. ('handler Hale, on the Isle of Biii-f^au Mail detention camp and the recent riot 36 48 To Ml'. Patre 30. Money and p;ickages sent to German prisoners in United Kingdom. Refers to No. 45. Com- plaints cannot refer to United Kingdom. German prisoners apparently receive much greater privileges in matter of correspondence than British prisoners interned in Germany . . 37 49 Mr. Page 29, Postal communication with interned civilians in Germany. Refers to No. 28. German Govern- ment i>ermit post^il communication with in- terned civilians on condition of reciprocity. Do British colonies allow such communication ? 37 VI TABLE Oi' CONTENTS. No. Name. SUBJECT. Pag'e 50 51 52 53 54 55 Mr. Paae To Mr. PaKe I) n 5T •» Dec. 30, 1914 Jan. 0, 1915 7, 9, Detention camps in LTnited Kingdom and Ger- many. United States Ambassador in Berlin states that recent visit by Mr. Chandler Ander- son to camps in Germany was allowed on tbe understanding tjiat representative from United States Embassy in Berlin should be allowed to visit British camps. Mr. Gerard urges desira- bility of reciprocal investigation Failure of Berlin Information Bureau to answer personal enquiries. Refers to No. 40. Ills Majesty's Government cannot admit that the German Information Bureau has fulfilled its obligations under 'Die Hague Couventi'in, I'.iOT, by referring enquiries to Red Cross at Berlin. . Parcels for British prisoners in Germany. Refers to Ho. 34. Duty is not levied on parcels for German prisoners interned in the United Kingdom. Does the German term " prisoners of war " also refer to interned civilians ? Treatment of prisoners of war in German}'. Transmits list of questions, with request to obtain answers from German Government Sir G. Buchanan To Mr. Paee Dee. 30, 1914 ' British prisoners at Diinholm. Reports having ! received information confirming especially ' unfavourable treatment accorded to British officers . . . . . . Jan. 11, 1915 56 „ ,, 57 13, 14, Mr. Page n » 58 59 60 61 To Mr. Page Officers of British merchant ships. Sir E. Grey understands they do not receive due con- sideration. Requests that German Govern- ment may be informed that similar prisoners in United Kingdom have received special con- sideration Detention camps in United Kingdom and Ger- many. Refers to No. 50. His Majesty's Government were not aware of any arrange- ment for reciprocal visiting of detention camps in Germany and United Kingdom. They are, however, prepared to arrange for visit to any camp by United States r^resentative I Scheme for United States supervision of relief for prisoners of war. Refers to No. 44. His Majesty's Government request that the pro- posal may be made to the German Government. They will advance up to 20,000L a quarter. Sir E. Grey calls attention to the fact that somewhat similar scheme is already in opera- tion in the United Kingdom 13, 14, 15. 16, British prisoners at Altdamm. States consul at Stettin Report by United Treatment of British prisoners in Germany. Copy of No. 44 has been sent to German Government by United States Ambassador at Berlin . . Failure of Berlin Information Bureau to answer personal enquiries. Refers to No. 27. Sir E. Grey's notes of 21st November and 2nd December have been forwarded to German Government Postal communication with interned civilians in Germany. Refers to No. 49. Similar arrange- ments have been made for transmission of correspondence for interned civilians in Ger- many as for military prisoners 38 38 39 39 40 40 41 41 42 43 44 44 TABLE OF CONTENTS. VII 62 I Mr. Page 63 To Mr. Page 64 1) J!" 65 6M<^ 67 68 Mr. Page Jan. 18, 1915 ' Scheme for United States supervision of relief for prisnners of war. Kefers to No. -il. 1 United States Government are willing to I adopt proposal and to approach German Government forthwith. Communicates certain suggestions as a plan for operations. . ■19, 20, 20, 21 26, To Mr. Pas,e 28, 69 Mr. Page 70 28, 28. 71 ; -, 72 30, 30, Ruhleben camp. Transmits report on unfavour- able conditions prevailing. Some improve- ment in the treatment of Biitish subjects tSiere seems urgently required Need of uniforms for British officers. Hefers to No. 40. Four hundred overcoats have already been sent. Are more required ? .Sir E Gre3' would be grateful if United Stales Ambassador in Berlin would undertake distribution of such clothing Camp at Kavalier .'^charnhorst, Magdeburg ."^ir E. Grey has received information that British officers interned there are not being properly treated. He suggests that United States Ambassador in Berlin should delegate some pLi>oii to enquire into the matter Payment of officer prisoners of war. Sir E. Grey reque.sts tliat United States Ambassador at Berlin may be asked by telegraph whether information regarding pay of officers (see ' No. 32) is forthcoming from German Govern- ment . . Direct correspondence with Berlin Prisoners of War Information Bureau. Refers to No. 31. German Government state that German Red Cross will answer individual enquiries regard- ing British civiliajis interned in Germany on condition of reciprocity Prohibition of tobacco to British prisoners of war in Germany. Sir E. Grey learns on go» »i 75 u n 76 77 78 )) U Mr. Pau-e To Sir C. Spiiucr-Rice (Tolegrapluc) 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 Sir C. Spring-Rice (Telegraphic) To Mr. Page Sir C. Spring-Rice (Telegraphic) Feb. 2, 1914 3, 3, o, 6, Mr. Page n >i )i l» 51 ST 10, 11, 12, 15, 19, List of prisoners of war. Refers to No. 37. Again calls attention to faults in German earlier lists. Later lists show improvement, j though still faulty in certain particulars .. 52 Failure of Berlin Information Bureau to answer ; personal enquiries. Refers to No. 67. His Majesty's Government are of opinion that Prisoners of War Information Bureau, beiug official Government Department, is better able to answer enquiries than Red Gross. Enquiries addressed to Red Cross have often remained , unanswered. Sir E. Grey quotes'duties of ' Information Bureau which have not been carried out by German Government . . 53 Scheme for United States supervision of relief for prisoners of war. Refers to No. 62. Comments of His Majesty's Government on suggestions put forward by United States Government with regard to above . . . . 54 Conditions at Ruhleben. Refer.s to No. 69. Sir E. Grey requests that Mr. Gerard be in- i formed that His Majesty's Government agree to suggested expenditure in relief .. ..', 65 Spiritual ministration to British prisoners in Germany. Refers to No. 17. On condition I of reciprocity German Government agree to ! allow English clergyman to visit British prisoners of war . . . . . . . . | 55 ■ _ ! Scheme for United States supervision of relief for prisoners of war. Pending establishment i of above scheme. His Majesty's Government j desire to know whether official of United ' States Embassy in Berlin might be placed in permanent touch with commandants of various camps in Germany, and thus attend to wants of prisoners . . . . . . . . 56 Scheme for United States supervision of relief for prisoners of War. Refers to No. 78. \ German Government declare they have not , refused consent. State Department will press ' for an answer . . . . . . . . ' 57 Postal facilities for German prisoners of war. J Refers to No. 49. Same regulations are in ' force in India and British colonies as in United Kingdom . . . . . . . , 57 Scheme for United States supervision of relief ; for prisoners of wai'. United States Govern- ■ ment have pressed German Government for an ; answer without success . • . . . . 57 Deaths of interned civilians. On condition of | reciprocity, German Government will forward information respecting . . . . . . j 57 Uniforms for British officers. Refers to No. 64. ' United States Ambassador at Berlin has ! received consignment sent. Describes method | of distribution . . . . . . . . j 58 Clothing for British prisoners at Sennelager. | Forwards telegram from United States Am- ' bassador at Berlin requesting supply of ] uniforms, greatcoats, and underwear . . 59 Clothes for British prisoners at Schiessplatz, Wahn, and Hameln, Transmits telegram from United States Ambassador at Berlin [ asking for greatcoats, jackets, and trousers . . 59 TABLE OF CONTENTS. IZ No. Name. Date. SUBJECT. 86 To Mr. Page Feb. 20, 1915 87 To Sir 0. Spring- Rice (Telegraphic) 22, 88 To Mr. I^aoe 89 90 91 92 93 Sir C. Spring-Rice (Telegraphic) To Sir C Spring-Rice (Telegraphic) 23, 23, 25, To Mr. Page 25. M?-. Page 94 To Mr. Paue '395] 25, Mar. 2, 3. Page British prisoners at Burg. Sir E. Grey has received information that conditions are extiemely unsatisfact'^ry. Prisoners are being given very little food, their condition being such that they are apparently being gradually starved to death . . Scheme for United States supervision of relief for prisoners of war. Refers to No. 81. Have German Government yet answered ? They should te pressed for early reply. Accounts show that internment conditions are very bad in Germany. .Sir C. .Spring-Rice .should enquire what steps United States Ambassador in Berlin is taking to meet re(|uiren)ents of British prisoners Treatment of prisoners of w^ar in Germany. Refers to No. 36. No reply has yet been received from German Government to list of questions forwarded by Ills Majesty's Govern- ment. Sir E. Grey requests that German Government may be urged to supply desired statement without further delay, and points out that His Majesty's Goverament have at all times been willing to afford facilities for German Government to ascertain conditions in internment camps in the United Kingd' ::. Scheme for United States supervision oi reliei for prisoners of war. Refers to No. 87. United States Ambassador at Berlin presented scheme to (ieruian Government on 27th Janu- ary and again on 9th February, but without result. Further message will be sent by United States Government that if German Government have objections to the scheme they should make counter-proposal Scheme for United States supervision of relief for prisoners of war. Refers to No. .s9. German Government obviously do not intend to accept the scheme. Can a member of United States Embassy in London be deputed to inspect all camps in Germany containing British prisoners, both civil and military ? Similar permissii)n has been given to Mr. Jack- son in regard to camps in the United Kingdom. 20.000/. is being forwarded to United States Ambassador in Berlin for the benefit of British prisoners Scheme for United States supervision of relief for prisoners of war. In spite of lapse of long interval, German Government h-sve neither accepted nor rejected proptisal. Sir E. Grey transmits 20,000/. with request that United States Ambassador in Berlin will employ this sum for the relief of British prisoners Need of clothing for prisoners at Lemberg and Dbberitz. Informs of Comp;uative (reatment in British and German internment camps. Refers to No. 43. For- wiuds dietary of Ruhleben camp and other information given by the German Govern- ment as to conditions there Clothing for British prisoners. Sir E. Grey would be glad to learn to whom packages of clothing should be addressed 59 60 60 61 61 61 62 62 64 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 96 Mr. Page To Mr. Page Mar. 3. 1915 97 98 99 100 Mr. Page To Mr. Page- Mr. Page 101 „ 102 103 n )t To Mr. Page 104 105 106 107 108 109 )» )» )) )t Mr. Page Memorandum communicated by Home Office 8, 9, 10, 11, 18, 13, 16, 17. 17, 18, Couditions at Ruhleben. Transmits despatch fiom United States Ambassador in Berlin re- porting steps taken for relief of destitute British subjects . . Scheme for United States supervision of relief for prisoners of war. Refers to No. 91. Six weeks having elapsed since scheme was sub- mitted to German Government, it is evident they do not intend to accept it. His Majesty's Government therefore feel the time has come to ask for permission for official of United States Embassy in London to visit camps in Germany in the same way as permission was given to Mr. Jackson to visit camps in Great Britain , . Conditions at Ruhleben. Forwards copy of the minutes of a meeting of the camp committee . . Clothing for British pris(jners. Refers to No. 94. Time and expense would be saved by sending packages direct to internment camps Deaths of interned civilians. Refers to No. 82. All such are, and have been, regularly notified to German Government Lists of prisoners of war. Refers to No. 37. German Government believe there is no longer delay in parcel post for British prisoners in Germany. Remarks of German Government concerning complaints made by His Majesty's Government respecting preparation of German lists of British prisoners of war Failure of Berlin Information Bureau to answer personal enquiries. Refers to No. 74. German (jovernmeut deny the charge that they have not complied with the obligations imposed by The Hague Convention Need of clothing for prisoners at Gottingen. In- f <)rms of Spiritual ministration to British prisoners in Ger- many. 'Refers to No. 77. It is desired to send two chaplains to Germany for the purpose. List of German clergy ministering- at the camps in England. . British prisoners at Lllm. Conditions reported to be very bad. Sir E. Grey requests that United States Ambassador at Berlin will investigate matter . . Rate of pay for officer prisoners of war. Refers to No. 9. No reply having been received from German Government, scale of payment to capti^•e German officers is being reduced Scheme for United States supervision of relief for prisoners of war. Subject to reciprocity, German Government accept proposal Clothing for British prisoners iu Germany. Des- patch from United States Ambassador in Berlin showing articles already issued to camps and those still necessary Treatment of prisoners of war. Piinciples ob- served by German Government with regard to Couditions at Ruhleben. released civilians. . Statement by two 65 66 67 68 69 69 71 73 73 74 74 75 76 81 TABLE OF CONTEXTS. II No. Name. Date. SciiJECl. 110 To Mr. Page Mar. 19. 1915 Clothiiif;- for British prisoners in Germany. Refers to No. 102. Arrangements have been made for delivery direct to the various camps 111 1 1 »f J) • • 19, Treatment of British prisoneis in Germany. There seems little doubt pri<^oners are being kept short of food. Sir E. Grey HUggests tliat Tiiited States official should visit German detention canips with a view to alleviation of conditions 112 ' Mr. Pag-e 19, Scheme for l.'uited States supervision of relief for prisoners of war. Refers to Xo. lOfJ. United .States Goverauient are rnady to send member of Embassy in London to inspect cam;is in Germany 113 'I'o Mr. I'aj^t; 20, Scheme for United States supervision of relief for prisoners of war. Refers to \o. 108. Review of attitude of His Majesty's Government to- wards proposal from the outset. Question of supply of foodstuffs to British prisoners in Germany . . 114 20. Treatment of prisoners of war. llefers to No. 108. Sir E. Grey points out that German statement contains no details as to quantity of food supplied. It would also appear from German statement that there are female prisoners in German camps 115 11 »» • • • • 20, Treatment of British prisoners in German^-. Continued reports of insufficient food. Sir E. Gi-ey enquires whether consignments of provi- sions would be received for distribution by United States Ambassador in Berlin 116 Sir C. Spriijg-Rice 20, Scheme for United States suiiervision of relief for prisoners of war. United States Ambassa- dor at Berlin has been instructed to appoint ten United States officials . . Pa;; 117 To Sir (J. Spring-Rice 118 To Mr. Page 119 »t M 22, 22, 22, 120 I Sir C. Spring-Rice . . 25, (Telegraphic) Scheme for United States supervision of relief for. prisoners of war. Refers to No. 116. Thanks of His Majesty's Government for action of United States Governuient ... Conditions at Ruhlebeu. Refers to No. 95. Proposed expenditure of 5 M. a week for comfoi-ts for destitute prisoners is approved . . Scheme for United States supervision of relief for prisoners of war. Refere to No. 112. Sir E. Grey is anxious that memlier of United States Embassy in London should proceed to Germany to inspect camps. . United States supervision of relief for prisoners. United States Ambassador at Berlin is doing everything possible for inspection of camps and relief of prisoners 82 82 83 84 85 85 85 86 86 86 87 Correspondence between llis Majesty's Government and the United States Ambassador respecting the Treatment of Prisoners of War and Interned Civilians in the United Kingdom nnd Germany respectively. [In continuation of "Miscellaneous, No. 5 (1915) " : Cd. 7815.] No. 1. Sir Edward (Jreij to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, August 25, 1914. I HAVE the honour to call to your Excellency's attention the provisions of article 14 of the annex to the convention (No. 4) signed at The Hague on the 18th October, 1907, respecting the laws and customs of war on land.---' In accordance with the terms of this article, His Majesty's Government have instituted a Prisoners of War Information Bureau to carry out the obligations which devolve upon them under that article. I should be grateful if your Excellency would be so good as to ascertain whether the German and Austro-Huugarian Governments are taking steps on their part to carry out the provisions of article 14. His Majesty's Government are prepared to communicate periodically to the German and Austro-Hungarian Governments lists of prisoners of war interned in this country on the understanding that those Governments will send corresponding lists of British prisoners of war interned in Germany or Austria-Hungary. His Majesty's Goveinuient are also prepared, on condition of reciprocity, to forward letters despatched by prisoners of war, as laid down in article 16 of the above-cited annex. I should therefore be very glad if your Excellency would, in addition, be kind enough to ascertain whether the German and Austro-Hungarian Governments are prepared to accept these proposals. I have, &c. E. GREY. • See "Miscellaneous, \o. 6 (190S)": Cd. tlT-i, p. 53. No. 2. Sir Edward Grey to Sir xi. Johnstone, His Majesty's Minister at The Hague. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, August 20, 1914. AS arranged with United States Embassy in London, we are sending you to- morrow by messenger 2,<)O0L in gold, to be handed over to United States Minister at The Hague for the relief of Britisli subjects stranded in Germauy. No. 3. Sir A. Johnstone, His Majesty's Minister at The Hague, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received August 28.) Sir, The Hague, August 2(3, 1914. I HAVE spoken to my American colleague on the subject of his proposal to transfer a credit of 2,0007. to the United States Ambassador in Berlin on the receipt of that sum in English gold. We decided that the remission of the money in gold was unnecessary, and I thereupon took steps to arrange for the transfer of o.OOOZ. to the United States Ambassador in Berlin, through the intermediary of Messrs. Scheurleerjet Eils, bankers of The Ilagaie. The latter undertook to telegraph 100,000 M. to the [395] B Direction der Disconto-Gesellschaft, Berlin, for payment to Mr. Gerard, and requested that His j\fajesty's Government would pay the 5,000L to Messrs. B. W. Blijdenstein and Co., 55-56, Threadneedle Street, London, E.C ily American colleague has telegraphed on my behalf to the United States Ambassador in Berlin, saying that I shall be very grateful if his Excellency will kindly undertake to distribute the mone^' as he thinks best to the American consuls at Hanover, Frankfort, Nuremberg, Dresden, (Jologne, and Hamburg for the relief of British subjects, after deducting a sum necessary for the relief of urgent cases in Berlin, and Mr. Gerard has replied that lie will do so. The difference in the exchange between the 5,000L and the 100,000 M. will be adjusted in the course of the next few days. As far as I can gather, there must be many hundreds of British subjects in Germany at the present time. In some cases I have transmitted money forwarded to me by their relations in England through the American Legation here to the American consuls nearest to the place at which they are stranded. From accounts received here from English people who have succeeded in leaving Germauy, it seems that in many cases British subjects, both men and women, are not allowed to leave. Thus a lai-ge party of British subjects, including some old ladies in a very weak condition, are said to be detained by the authorities at Bad Nauheim. It seems to me that grave dilBculties will shortly arise with regard to the relief and maintenance of British sul;)jects in Germany unless some sort of arrangement is arrived at by which, at any rate, women will be allowed to leave, even if it is not possible to conclude some agreement by which the male nationals of the two countries will be allowed to return home. I have, &c. ALAN JOHNSTONE. No. i. Sir A. Johnstone, His Majesty's Minister at The Hague, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Receii-ed August 30.) Sir, TJie Hague, August 28, 1914. WITH reference to your telegram of the 2Cth instant,* I have the honour to transmit to you herewith, a receiptt for 2,000Z. in gold which has been handed by me to my American colleague. I have, &c. ALAN JOHNSTONE. * No. 2. t Not printed. No. 5. Mr. CJunidler Anderson to Mr. Acland, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. — {Received September 5.) American Embassy, London,- Dear Mr. Acland, September 5, 1914. IN accordance with the understanding reached at the conference on Tuesday last between you and Mr. Kent and myself, an enquiry was made at Berlin as to the advisability of establishing a credit with our Embassy there in response to Mr. Gerard's cable of the 1st September to the Embassy here, a copy of which was shown to you, reading as follows : — " Ask Union of Banks to advance to you 10,000Z. to meet English letters of credit and Cooke's cheques. Great distress among holders." A reply from Berlin to this enquiry was received yesterday through this Embassy, advising_ Mr. Kent that the proposed payment of 200,000 M. to Gerard could be made. If you still wish to avail yourself of this opportunity, I understand that it only remains for you to arrange for the deposit in London of so much of this amount as you wish to make available in Berlin for the purposes indicated, in accordance with the plan proposed. Very sincerely yours, CHANDLER ANDERSON. No. G. Mr. Lococh, Private Secretary to Mr. Aeland, to Mr. Cliandler Anderson. Dear Mr. Chandler Anderson, September 5, 1914. WITfl roforence to j'our letter of to-day* respecting the question of establishing a credit of lO.OOOZ. at Berlin, against which letters of credit and Cooke's cheques could be cashed by British subjects, I am desired by Mr. Aeland to state that His Majesty's (Tovernment welcome tills arrangement, and T am therefore to transmit to you herewith an order on the Postmaster-General for the sum in question. Mr. Aeland would be glad if you would be so good as to furnish him with a copy of the instructions that are sent to the United States Ambassador at Berlin with regard to this matter. You will doubtless recollect that at the interview you recently had with Mr. Aeland on this subject, it was agreed that it should be left to the discretion of Mr. Gerard to decide what amounts it would be reasonable to advance in the various cases. Believe me, Yours verv truly, GUY LOCOCK. No. 5. No. 7. Mr. Parjc, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received September 17.) Sir, American Embassy, London, September 16, 1914. WITH reference to the note you were good enough to address to me on the 25th idtimo,"--- 1 have the honour to trangmit, herewith enclosed, a copy of a telegram I have just received from the Secretary of State at Washington, relating to the establish- ment by the German Government of a Prisoners of War Information Bureau. I have, &c. WALTER HINES PAGE. • No. 1. Enclosure in No. 7. Telegram received at the Amei-ican Embassy at London from the Department of State, Washington, Septembef 15, 1914. DEPARTMENT has received telegram, dated the 13th September, from American Ambassador at Berlin, as follows : — "German Government has established in Berlin enquiry office, pursuant to article 14, first paragraph of Hague Land War Convention, which wiU receive and collect and forward by diplomatic channel the object specified in second paragraph, understanding that the enemy Governments will act reciprocally. German Government are prepared to communicate periodically to such Government the lists of prisoners of their respective enemy nationalities in Germany, drawn up weekly by the enquiry office. Such lists to include statement as to physical condition prisoners. They suggest their list and object for the British Cxovernment should be transmitted to American Embassy, Berlin ; those for Russian Government to Spanish Embassy, Berlin ; while the lists and object, respecting German prisoners, should be transmitted to American Embassies in London, Paris, and St. Petersburgh respectively. German Government agree in principle to British proposal to permit correspondence of prisoners of war with their respective countries, and if requested by French and Russian Governments, would agree to analogous arrangement with them." Communicate substance of this telegram to Govermnent to which you are accredited. [395] ■ • B 2 No. 8. Sir J'Jdirani (Jrey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. THE Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs presents Ms compliments to the United States Ambassador, and, with reference to Mr. Page's note of the IGth instant,* has the honour to transmit herewith to his Excellency the first listt of German prisoners of war which has been received from the Prisoners of War Information Bureau. It wiU be seen that the prisoners are arranged in the order of the serial numbers given to them in the bureau. It has been found that an attempt to give periodical lists in alphabetical order, while involving much additional labour, would probably lead to errors and omissions. The series of numbers is not absolutely complete, as Austrian prisoners and certain other persons detained in the prisoners of war camps are not included in the list. In the cohmiu of the list headed " Regiment, &c." the abbreviation " B " has been used to indicate birthplace as distinct from home address. In the column headed " Remarks " the following abbreviations have been used : — W. for wounded. S.W. ,, severely wounded. L.W. ,, lightly wounded. W.H. ,, wounds healed. The prisoners against wdiom no entry is made in the " Remarks " column may be considered to be in gojd health. Sir E. Grey Avould be grateful if Mr. Page would cause this list, with the above explanations, to be forwarded to the United States Ambassador at Berlin for trans- mission to the German Government as soon as possible, and if his Excellency would express the hope that the German Government may furnish His Majesty's Government with the first list of British prisoners of war without delay. A further list of German prisoners of ^var will be communicated to Mr. Page in about a week's tune, and a list of Austro-Hungarian prisoners is being prepared and will be communicated in a few days. Foreign Office, September 21, 1914. * No. 7. t Not printed. No. 9. Sir EdiDard Ghry to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, Septeviber 24, 1914. WITH reference to your notes of the ICth* and 18th instant,! relating to the establishment by the Ai;stro-Hungarian and German Governments of Prisoners of War Information Bureaux, I have now the honour to have recourse to your Excellency's good offices with a view to an enquiry being addressed to the German and Austro- Hungarian Governments as to the mutual observance of the provisions of The Hague Convention of 1907, in so far as they deal with the issue of pay to officer prisoners of war in the charge of the British forces or under British control (Appendix G, article 17), and the refund of the expenditure incurred on this head. In giving effect to the provisions of the convention. His Majesty's Government propose to place the following interpretations on article 17 of the Annex which deals with the pay of officer prisoners of war, subject to undertakings from the enemy Governments that reciprocity'' of treatment will be afforded. Pay at the rates in force in the British Army for officers of rank corresponding to that of the prisoners will be issued to officers made prisoners of war. For the sake of convenience and following the course which His Majesty's Government are informed was adoj)ted by Russia and Japan in 1904, it is proposed to treat alike, as regards pay, all regular officers who are taken prisoners of war whether belonging to the land or sea service, and to issue to all the rates of pay laid down for the corresponding ranks of British infantry. In certain cases the rate of pay for a rank varies with the length of an officer's service, but for the sake of simplicity it is j)roposed to adhere to the minimum rate for * No. 7. I Not printed. Per diem, s. d. 23 16 11 7 6 6 5 3 9 each rank. It is also proposed that officers of rank above Lieutenant-Colonel should be given Lieutenant-Colonel's pay, but special arrangements could be made in the case of an ofiicer of very high rank. The regimental rates of pay in force in the infantiy of the British Army are as follows : — Lieutenant-Colonel Major Captain ^ Lieutenant 2nd Lieutenant , , . . Quai termaster Tlic pay of naval officer prisoners of war is not covered by the terms of the convention, but His Majesty's Government, acting on the " Voeu " subscribed to by the parties to the convention to the effect — that the principles relating to the laws of war by laud should apply as far as possible to war by sea, propose that pay of the relative army rank at the rates given above should also be issued to naval officers made prisoners of war. All onicer prisoners to whom pay is issued would be required to pay for their own food and clothing. If the provisions of The Hague Convention are carried out by the enemy Governments and pay is issued to officer prisoners of war as suggested above, it is desirable that mutual arrangements should be made to enable officer prisoners to remit part of their pay for the supi)ort of their families and dependents. Unless this can be arranged the alternative will be, if the families are not to remain improvided for, for the British Government to issue pay to the families of the British officers in addition to the pay which may be issued by the German and Austro-Hungarian Governments. It will, therefore, be obvious to your Excellency that arrangements for the remittance of pay by the officers, either through your Excellency's mediiim or by other means, are most desirable. As regards postal facilities, letters written by prisoners of war will be free of postal charges, whether addressed to persons in the United Kingdom, in allied, in neutral or in enemy states. Letters addressed to prisoners of war, whether posted at home or abroad, will be similarly exempt. Postal parcels sent abroad by, or from abroad to, prisoners of war will also be free of postage. The registration and insurance of postal parcels and letters going abroad wiU be free. Commission on postal orders and money orders sent hy prisoners of war to persons in the LTnited Kingdom, or in an enemy or neutral state, will be waived. AjDart from the facilities above indicated, arrangements liave been made for the actual transmission of the letters and parcels of the prisoners of war to Germany. Any remittances of money to prisoners of war will be issued to them under the direction of the commandants of the places of internment. His Majesty's Government consider it most desirable that arrangements on the lines indicated above, should be concluded at the earliest possible moment, and they are confident that your Excellency will do everything in your power to hasten a settlement. As a provisional arrangement His Majesty's Governmeut have sanctioned the issue of free food to captive naval and military officers on the active list, together with the issue of cash to meet their urgent requirements not exceeding half the pay of their rank. It is suggested that the proposed arrangements shouUl take effect from the date from which they are introduced, subject to any views which the Austro-Hungarian and Gorman Governments may have as to their being made retrospective. If those Governments have actually been issuing full pay to British officers, His ^lajesty's Government woidd, of course, afford reciprocal treatment retrospectivelj'. I have, &.C. E. GREY. [395] B 3 No. 10. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador- in London, to Sir Edioard Grey. — {Received October 1.) Sir, A)nerican Embassij, London, September 25, 1914. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the note you were so good as to address to me on the 24th instant* regarding the observation of the provisions of the Hague Convention of 1907 touching the issue of pa}- to officer prisoners of war, and to assure you that copies of the note will be despatched without delay to the Embassies at Berlin and Vienna for transmission to the German and Austro-Himgarian Governments. I have, &c. WALTER HINES PAGE. * See No. 9. No. 11. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Fagc, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, October 1, 1914. IN continuation of ray note of the 24th ultimo* with regard to the issue of pay to officer prisoners of war in the charge of the British forces or imder British control, I have the honour to inform your Excellency that the officer prisoners of war to whom it is proposed to issue pay on receipt of undertakings of reciprocity of treatment from the enemy Governments, and to whom the advances of cash mentioned in the penultimate paragraph of my note are now being made, are those officers of the naval or military forces of enemy Governments who are in receipt of, or are entitled to, full army or navy pay from their respective Governments at the time of their being made prisoners of war. The expression " regular officers " in my note above referred to is accordingly to be interpreted in this sense and shoiild not be held to exclude officers of the reserve and territorial forces as such, if they fulfil the above conditions. His Majesty's Government consider that all prisoners of war, other than officers on full pay at time of capture, are entitled to be treated only as soldiers, that is, to be fed, clothed, and housed on a scale similar to that provided for British soldiers. In view of the social position of many of the prisoners, His Majesty's Government have, however, decided that prisoners approved by the local military authorities who are able and willing to pay for a superior diet, may be given diet and accommodation on a scale somewhat similar to that provided for officers as defined abqve, subject to the necessary accommodation being available, and to repayment of the cost of food and clothing by the prisoners concerned. The classes who woiild be considered for this preferential treatment are reserve officers not on full pay when made prisoners, and officials of the diplomatic and civil services of a position corresponding to officers, and other civilians of similar social standing. His Majesty's Government will be prepared to consider the question of according to the diplomatic and civil officials similar treatment to that accorded to naval and military officers on full pay as regards affording them superior accommodation and maintenance free of charge in the event of the German or Austro-Hungarian Governments raising the question. I have, &c. E. GREY. * See \o. 9. No. 12. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received October 7.) Sir, American Embassy, London, October 5, 1914. PURSUANT to instructions from my Government, I have the honour to acquaint you with the purport of a telegram addressed to the Secretary of State- at Washington by the Ambassador at Berlin, to the effect that the German Government acknowledge with thanks the receipt o{ the first list of prisoners of war in England. They add the request that His Majesty's Goverament may be f^ood enough in future to transmit three separate lists of such prisoners, one inchiding members of the German army, another meniljcrs of the German navy, and the third, German ci\alians. Th^y ako suggest that it would be of interest to the relatives of prisoners to indicate in the lists the place where such prisonei-s are conCned. I have, &c. WALTER HINES PAGE. Xu. 13. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, October 1.3, 1014. I HAVE the honour to iufonn your Excellency that the question of direct correspondence with the Prisoners of War Infoi'mation Bureau in Berlin has been raised in connection with the cases of certain olhcers and men who were reported wounded in the lighting round Mons, and of whom nothing has since been heard, either from the militaiy hospitals or from the Information Bureau in Berlin. When these two sources of information have been exhausted, and when in addition the military authorities in the field are unable to obtain anj' further particulars of the fate of any officer or man, the only possibility of obtaining any details lies in application to the Prisoners of War Information Bureau in Berlin. The fact of enemy dead, whether officers or men, having been buried, shoiJd be reported to the Infonnation Bureaii in Berlin. It has been suggested that from time to time His Majesty's Government might send a list of such cases to the l)ureau in Berlin with a request that any infonnation available or obtainable might be furnished. A similar request forwarded from the German War Office or the Prisoners of War Infoimation Bureau in Berlin wordcl, of course, receive reciprocal treatment. -^^.t^^ Such correspondence could probably be forwarded through the medium of the Dutch post office, in which case there would be no occasion to ask your Excellency's good offices for its transmission. But the proposed system could only be established after a definite agreement has been arrived at with the German Government. I should therefore be grateful if your Excellency would institute enquiries on this point at Berlin, and if yoii could at the same time ascertain whether the Prisoners of War Information Bureau in Berlin would be ready to answer enquiries sent to it direct by private individuals in this country withoiit the intervention of His Majesty's Govermuent. I have, &c. E. GREY. No. U. Sir Edward Gi'ey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in. London. Your Excellencj% Foreign Office, October 13, 1014. I HAVE had the honour to receive from your Excellency two lists* of British prisoners of war in Germany. A comparison which has been made between the first of these lists and the lists prepared by the Prisoners of \\'ar Information Bureau in London, discloses two important deficiencies in the German lists. In the first place no indication is given whether the prisoners are wounded or not, although the telegram which your Excellency svas so good as to communicate to me on the 16th idtimo,t stated that the lists of prisoners would include a statement as to the physical condition of the prisoners. In the second place the list in no case gives the regimental number of the prisoners of the rank and file. The absence of this aid to identification is the more regrettable, inasmuch as the men's names in many cases are badly spelt and difficult to recognise. A further point is that there is no indication of the date on which^the list purports to have been compiled. As your Excellency will readily understand, it is a matter of great concern to the relatives of both officei's and men to know whether thev are, in addition to beinor e * Not printed. j Set No. 7. [395] B 4 8 prisoners, also wounded, and I should accordingly be grateful if you would cause the points indicated above to be brought to the notice of the German Government. I have, &c. E. GREY. No. 15. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 15.) American Embassy, London, Dear Sir Edward, October 13, 1914. I ENCLOSE a copy of a letter that I have received from Mr. Gerard about the condition of British prisoners in Germany, and it will give me pleasure to transmit any word you may wish to send him. Yours sincerely, WALTER HINES PAGE. Enclosure in No. 15. Mr. Gerard to Mr. Page. American Embassy, Berlin, My dear Colleague, October 2, 1914. THERE are a number of British prisoners of war in this country. I have not yet succeeded in getting the exact number and place of confinement, but their care is a matter which requires the immediate attention of the British Government. 1 visited the camp at Doberitz near Berlin, the other day, interviewed the sergeants and examined the camp. There are a number of wounded there and these require medical supplies, such as crutches, wheel-chairs, &c., as well as extra food, such as chocolate, eggs and port wine. The prisoners have only one blanket and are without overcoats, as when taken prisoner they are compelled to drop their overcoats and equipment. They therefore suffer from cold, as well as from the condition bronglit about by having no change of underwear. There are at Doberitz at present alxjut 3,000 British prisoners. I have already purchased and sent out 100 blankets for the wounded, some crutches, caues and other supplies of that character, and I am sending out to-day 2,500 imdershirts and 2,500 drawers which I purchased here at a j)rice of 3 '25 M. for each piece. These are very warm and will enable the men to wash the clothes that tliey have on. 1 have asked the German Government whether they are going to give the men another blanket, but so far have had no answer. Some of the men complained that the food was insufficient. One loaf of good black bread is given to three men ; each man has a cup of coffee in the morning, some soup in the middle of the day, and a cup of tea or coffee at night, and this constitutes their sole rations. I presume that the British prisoners in other camps are in a similar condition. The men also asked for tobacco and some money to buy extra supplies at the canteens which exist in the camps. The funds which I have remaining which I can use for British purposes will soon be exhausted, especially if 1 have to buy an extra blanket, underwear, socks, soap and towel for each British prisoner in Germany, and I suggest that the matter be immediately taken up by the British Government with a view to sending me a portion of the Red Cross Fund for the purpose of looking after these prisoners ; or possibly an arrangement might be made by which supplies for them could be sent from England, and permitted to pass into Germany. I am, &c. JAMES W. GERARD. o No. 16. Memorandum communicated hy American Embassy, October 17, 1914. THE American Embassy has the honour to submit the following copy of a telegram which has just been received from the Secretary of State at Washington relating to civilian prisoners in the United Kingdom and Germany : — There are a very few English civilians in Germany who have been placed in prison or in prison camps — about .300. The German Government is informed that a great number of German civilian jjrisoners — over 6,000 — are in prison camps in England. Department is requested by Ambassador, Berlin, to suggest that liberty, so far as possible, be allowed alien enemies detained by war. American Embassy, London, October 16, 1914. No. J 7. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, October 22, 1914. I HAVE the honour to have recourse to your Excellency's good offices in the following matter : — The desirability of coming to some arrangement with the German Government for spij'itual ministration to British prisoners of war in Germany has receutlj' been brought to my notice. The Army Council and the Home Office, who have been consulted on the subject, are in sympathy with the proposal. I have therefore the honour to siiggest that, through your Excellency's kind inter- mediary, as also through the intermediary of the United States Ambassador at Berlin, the German Government might be asked to grant facilities for British clergj'men to visit the various places in which British prisoners of war are interned in German}'. It is not at i)resent anticipated that permission to enter Germany will be granted to British clergymen, but it is possible that there may still be in that country a certain uumljer of these gentlemen who would doubtless be prepared to officiate if such permission were granted. I should be grateful, should your Excellencj' see no objection, if you would be so good as to cause the necessary enquiries to be made of the German Government on this point. I have, &c. E. GREY. No. 18. Sir Edicard Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, October 23, 1914. I HAVE the honour to inform your Excellency that, on the receipt of your note of the 5th instant,* transmitting a request from the German Government for certain modifications in the form of the lists of prisoners of war interned in this country, I caused the matter to be examined by the proper departments. His Majesty's Govermncnt are now prepared to meet the wishes of the German Government to the extent of furnishing separate lists of German prisoners, one including members of the German army, another members of the German na^'y and the third German civilians ; subject, however, to the following reservations : — ■ 1. That while the Prisoners of War Information Bureau which compiles the lists would do its best to carry out the distinction desired, it might in some cases be difficult to distinguish between a member of the German army or naAy and a German civilian reservist of one or other of these forces. • See No. 12. 10 2. That it might not be possible to carry out this distinction in the case of prisoners of war reported as interned in British Colonies and Dominions. The second proposal of the German Government is that the place of internment of each prisoner should be indicated on the lists. I am informed that there would be great difficulty in acceding to this request, one reason being that prisoners have been in the past, and may continue to be, rather frequently transferred from one place of internment to another. The result of giving the place of internment in the lists would be, in some cases, to niislead the relatives of the prisoners and lead to delay in their correspondence. I may add that the combatant prisoners are at present, in the main, interned at Frith Plill Camp, Frimley. On the 13th instant* I had the honour to indicate to your Excellency certain deficiencies in the compilation of the German lists, and to request you to be so good as to cause these to be brought to the notice of the German Government with a view to these deficiencies being remedied in future lists. His Majesty's Government consider that, in addition, the German Government should be requested to send separate lists of combatant and non-combatant British prisoners to this country, as, up to the present, the German lists forwarded th]-oughyour Excellency's intermediary have onlj- contained the names of combatant British prisoners of war. I should, therefore, be gi-ateful if your Excellency would be so good as to cause representations in this sense to be made to the German Government. I have, &c. E. GREY. * See No. 14. No. 19. M)'. Page, United Stales Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — (^Received November 2.) Sir, Avierieun Embassy, Loruhn, October 31, 1914. WITH reference to the note you were good enough to address to me on the 22ud instant* regarding spiritual ministrations to British i^risoners of war in Germany, I have the honour to acquaint you with the purport of a telegram I have just received from the Ambassador at Berlin, in which he asks for an official assurance that the same privilege is allowed German prisoners of war in England. I have, &c. WALTER HINES PAGE. * See No. 17. No. 20. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received November 5.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and has the honour to enclose for his information a copy of a communication received from the American consul-general at Berlin, being a report upon the conditions existing at the prison fortress at Torgau, where some 1,300 British and French officers are interned, and enclosing lis'ts* of othcers and men now in the above-mentioned prison at Torgau. In transmitting these documents, the Ambassador states also that on\ the .3rd October the German officers in the camp at Doberitz informed him that^two blankets, boots, and considerable additional food had been given to the prisoners of war at Doberitz. American Embassy, London, November 4, 1914. * Not printed. 11 Enclosure i in No. 20. Beport by American Con.^ id-General at Berlin. ON the 17th October Mr. Grew, the Counsellor of the Embassy, visited the prisoners' camp at Doberitz. There were verj^ few complaints on the part of the men. Nothing was said about tlic food, but the men objected to the fact tliat the blankets were not thick enough. Each man, however, was receiving two blankets. The men asked particularly lor caps, soap, towels, and for more books to read. . In this connection it should be remarked that there is a large circulating library of English books at Doberitz. The I'^.mbassy, however, is sending out a large number of books for the men. At jiresent the men are housed in tents with straw mattresses, each tent being in the charge of a non-commissioned officer. A large number of wooden houses, however, have been constructed. These are well built, lighted by electricity, and will be properly heated. Each house will contain 100 men in one large room. There will be a small room for the British non-commissioned officers in charge of the building. Each of these houses has six or eight windows. Ten of these houses form a colony, to which is attached for each thousand men a kitchen, two lavatories, and a store-house. The cooking is of course done by the men themselves. The settlement lies on a broad, sandy plain in healthful surroimdiugs. The men on the whole seem cheerlid. 'i'hcy are permitted to exercise, and a large amount of space is at their disposal for this ]iurpose. Ample arrangements' are also to be provided for Avashing throughout the winter. It is stated that the men seemed cheerful, wilh the exception of three doctors, who appear to be detained contrary to the provisions of the Geneva Convention. The military authorities remarked that they have had considerable difficulty with these men, and requested the Counsellor of tlie Embassy not to speak with them. On the 15th and ICth October Mr. Lay, the American consul-general in Berlin, visited the fortress of Torgau in Saxom^, where 1,300 British and French officers are interned. He spoke freely with the officers, and has been able to ascertain the objectionable features in connection with the treatment of prisoners there. In connection with this visit a report is enclosed (No. 1), to which are added : — 2. A list of objectionable features in regard to the treatment of British officere detained at Torgau. 3. A list® of wounded officers iinfit for further service. 4. A list* of wounded officers wniit for further service, at places other than Torgau. 5. A list* of twentj'-uiuo British medical officers and one army chaplain now prisoners of war at Torgau. G. A complete list* of the British officers interned at Torgau. 7. A list* of non-commissioned officers and privates interned at Torgau. 8. A translation of an ofhcial statement by the German Government relating to the treatment of the prisoners of war. It can be seen from the ofiicial figures given in enclosure No. S that the number of British prisoners of war interned in Germany is roughly 9,000. So far as the Embassy is at present aware, all officers are interned at Torgau. At the present time a number of wotmded officers are in military hospitals throughout (.lermany, and it is very difficult to discover their whereabouts. The facts mentioned in this letter and in the enclosures relate only to Doberitz and Torgau, but the Embassy is making every effort to ascertain the conditions under which private soldiers are interned at camps other than Doberitz, and to discover tlieir needs, and find out all that can be known concerning their treatment and welfare. In this connection another report will be made in the near future, which will he based on personal investigation. * Not printed. 12 Enclosure 2 in Xo. 20. Mr. Lay to Mr. Gerard. Sir, American Embassy, Berlin, October 20, 1914. REFERRING to our conversation yesterday regarding the conditions at Torgau, as I found them on my visit there on the 15th and 16tli instant, I have the honour to enclose herewith brief notes obtained from of objectionable features of the treatment of prisoners of war there, complained of by the British officers. There is also enclosed a list of British medical officers, and also a list of officers at Torgau and other places, the latter so severely wounded as to be unfit for further service, with a brief description of the nature of their wounds. These lists are submitted in case you consider it proper and expedient to make representations to the German authorities with a view to having these officers released and returned to England, or to have them sent elsewhere in Germany. I might mention in this connection that the night I arrived at Torgau a French medical officer, who w^as iinable to walk owing to a very severe attack of rheiimatism, was sent back from Torgau to France via Switzerland under escort, and another French medical officer was also discharged the day previous. In view of the commanding general at Torgau having reqiiested me to obtain an accurate account of the conditions under which his brother-officers were living in England and the treatment they were receiving there, and of the policy of reciprocity the German authorities have evidently adopted in matters of this kind, it seems to me that the minor objections, and possibly the major ones, made by the officers in Torgau can be overcome and will be corrected if the commanding general at Torgau is convinced that the German officers in England are not obliged to bear these unnecessary and unhealthy hardships ; and in order to assist in this direction I have requested Consul-General Skinner in London to make a visit to one of the camps in England and report his observations. I doubt if the German military authorities will increase the monthly allowance made by the German Government to the officers at Torgau. In fact, the general's adjutant there, without my mentioning the subject, held that it could not be done, as neither France nor England could or would guarantee to refund these payments after the war ; but the reasonable needs of the officers can be supplied if they are allowed to receive, in addition, to their present monthly allowance of from 60 to 100 M., a special allowance of from 100 to 200 M. each to be obtained from England, as well as a complete new outfit of clothing for the winter. This extra allowance and the clothing, the Adjutant informed me, they could receive, and I propose that this should be arranged in the following way : I have sent to Consul-General Skinner a complete list of the officers at Torgau, and the War Office in London could arrange with the relatives of the officers to send this clothing and the money in the most practicable way to the Embassy in Berlin to be reforwarded to Torgau. One thousand pounds will be needed at once and, if necessary, vouchers can be sent with the money to ensure it reaching the officers. Every officer is in immediate need of at least 100 M., and small sums sent from the British Relief Fund will not accomplish much to relieve the situation. informed me that he had already asked the War Office in London to arrange to send uniforms and other clothing to Torgau, but as they have not arrived, he supposes that his letters, like others he has written to the Embassy, have never reached their destination, and he agreed that it would be more satisfactory, in view of the rush of work at the War Office, if a circular letter were sent to the nearest relations of the officers, asking them to bring the clothes to some central depot and shij) them from there. The money could be secured in the same way, or through the military bankers. Cox and Co., in London, as the authorities think best. As regards the names of missing officers, besides obtaining a complete list of those there, news was given me of many officers and men, who were seen to have been killed, or are, presumably, in hospitals in Germany or France. There are, probably, as many, if not more, British prisoners of war at present in the different hospitals in Germany, who are not included in the lists sent periodically to England, than at Torgau, and they can only be located by writing to all these hospitals. A few have been found in this way. has promised to send the Embassy supplementary lists from time to time, as officers, after they have recovered from their wounds, are transferred from the hospitals to Torgau. 13 at Torgau requested me to ask the Spanish Ambassador to visit Torgau, and I have done so. When the officers at Torgau can procure palatable and wholesome mineral waters to drink, have additional and separate latrines iuritulled, buy white bread, as rye bread makes some of them sick, and be alknved special medicines, the conditions under which they live can be regarded as satisfactory. The most serious questions are those of the incapacitated officers and the medical officers, but even their release may be brought about if it can be shown that such German officers are not detained in the British camps in England. I have, &c. JULIUS G. LAY, American Consul-General. Enclosure 3 in No. 20. Objectionable Features in regard to the Treatment of British Officers detained in Torgau as Prisoners of War. October IG, 1911. Wine and Beer. — Officers have recently been forbidden beer. The water is imfit to driuk, likewise the mineral waters provided. ^Yine and beer, if limited, could not possibly do any harm. Hour for Bed and Lights out. — At present every officer has to be iu bed at 9 p.m. with lights out. An extension, even to 10 p.m., is urgently requested. Latrines, etc. — At present the water-closets are used by officers of all ranks ; by English and French orderlies, by German soldiers, and by German civilians employed in the fort. Could not a water-closet and latrines be set apart for English officers and the same lor French officers ? Officers so severely wounded as to be unfit for further service. — There are here many officers so badly wounded as to render them permanently unfit to serve again. Many require serious operations. They are unfitted for the i-ough life here, and in the cause of humanit}^ should be sent to England. Medical Officers and Glut plain detained contrary to Terms of Geneva Convention. — Here there are many medical officers and one chaplain. They are not classified as prisoners, but their valuable services are lost to both hostile forces. It would appear that their detention is strictly against the terms of the Geneva Convention. Exchange of Prisoners of War. — Has any reference been made as yet regarding the exchange of prisoners of war ? White Bread. — Quite recently white bread has been forbidden for use of officers in the fort. There is reason to l)elieve that there is more than ample supply of flour in the town. Pay of Officers. — Officers are at present paid thus : Lieutenants, GO M. per month ; officers of all ranks above the rank of lieutenant, 100 ^I. per month. From this sum officers are obliged to defray the cost of meals, clothing, &c. According to the Geneva Convention, officers are entitled to receive the pay issued to officers of equivalent rank in the armj^ of the captors Enlargement of Kitclien. — The kitchen accommodation not being sufficient, alterations and enlargements have been found necessary. Officers, prisoners of war, have been asked to defray the costs of same. This cannot be their respousibilit}% Two new boilers have also been found necessary. Ofiicers are to pay for these. Treatment of Officers travelling to Torgau. — Although my own personal experi- ences were of the happiest, there is authentic evidence of many instances of cruelty to officers, prisoners of war, ou their way to Torgau, both from oilicers, soldiers, members of the Red Cross, and civilians. Special Medicines. — Officers have had great difficulty in procuring special medicines necessary owing to some permanent ailment or weakness. Parcels from Bomx. — Is the receipt of parcels from home permitted? If so, ■what are the facilities ? Postal Arrangements and Censorship. — The despatch of letters and the issue of same much delayed owing to restrictions regarding censorship and to the totally inadequate provision of censors. At present no letters are allowed to be despatched in order to allow the commandant, with his many other duties, to censor letters already 14 posted. The assistance of senior British officers, ah-eady many times offered, has been declined. Newspapers. — Newspapers of all countries and of all descriptions have been throughout denied us. Identity Discs of Dead. — Is the clause regarding the transmission of identity discs found on field of battle, hospitals, &c., to army authorities, being strictlj' carried out ? Treatment of British Soldiers in other Camps. — Information regarding the treat- ment of non-commissioned officers and men of the British Army -who are prisoners of war in other camps is anxiously awaited. Rumours of their exposure to the elements, their starvation and tlieir treatment, are ramj)ant all along tlie lino. Officers' Money.- — Certain officers have had money sent from England on their behalf, but have been forbidden to withdraw more than 100 M. per month. (This has been arranged. — J. G. L.) Supplement to Enclosure Xo. WITH regard to the statement in Mr. Lay's report that letters addressed to the Embassy have not been received, it should be remarked that a number of letters from officers at Torgau were addi-essed to the vice-president of the British Relief Fund, and not to the Embassy. In this way the Embassy did not know about these communications until several days after they had been received. The Embassy has requested the senior British officer at Torgau to inform the officei's there that all communications may be addressed direct to the Embassy. This is now being done, and, as a number of letters have been received, in several cases censored by the British officers themselves, there is no reason to believe that the officers at Torgau are not allowed to communicate with the American Ambassador with perfect freedom. ' It should also be added that, although the British officers at Torgau state that they have heard reports of starvation and ill-treatment of British soldiers in other prisoners' camps, the Embassy has no reason for believing that this is the case. Enclosure 4 in No. 20. Memorandum concerning Prisoners of War. (Translation.) 1. AS a rule, captured officers and soldiers are not interned in the same place at the same time. 2. Officers and officials of like rank are interned in fortresses. Generals are provided with a living room and a bed room. Staff officers are given each a single room. Other officers are assigned a small room each or, several togethei', one large room. 3. Non-commissioned officers and soldiers are kept on drill grounds, artillery target grounds, or on special grounds in the vicinity of unfortiiied towns. Effort is made to provide specially for non-conunissioned officers, particularly the older ones. 4. As regards the amount of space allotted, the equipment of the quarters, heating, lighting, &c., the provisions applicable to hut camps and garrison quarters are in general in force. 5. The quartering of prisoners of war in the homes of private individuals is not permitted. 6. Captured officers are allowed to have orderlies of their own nationality for their personal service. 7. The prison camps are clearly separated from other camps, and are under the supervision of conunanders, who direct the assignment, feeding, guarding, and services of the piisoners, &c. 8. Food is furnished to officers, within the limits of the accommodations furnished to prisoners, as they may desire, upon special payment. 9. Captured non-commissioned officers and soldiers receive the same food as our own non-commissioned officers and soldiers. The cost of providing food is reckoned at the rate of 00 pfennigeper day and per person, which is about as much as for our own non- commissioned officers. The food is simple, but sutficient. 10. The medical service in the prison camps corresponds to that maintained in the hut camps in peace time. Captured medical officers ai-e employed in the medical • 15 . service of the prison camps. Likewise, members of the medical corps are in proper cases employed in the same manner. 11. On the 25th September, llJll, the following number of prisoners were interned in prison camps : — (a.) French — ^ „ „ Officers -'A^O Soldiers ("hout) 123,000 (b.) Russian — Officers .. .. .. .. .. •• •• 2,lo0 Soldiers (abo.it) 92,000 . (c.) Belgian — Officers .. .. . .. .. •• •• 470 Soldiers (about) 30,000 {d.) English- Officers .. .. .. .. .. •• •• 1*^0 Soldiers .. .. .. .. •• •• (about) 8.600 These numbers include three French generals, one Belgian general, and sixteen Russian generals, two of whom are commanding generals. Further shipments of prisoners of war are on their way to the camps. P.S. — On the l-lth October, 1914, the numbers were : — (a.) French — Officers .. .. .. .. .. .- ■• 2,35C Soldiers .. .. .. .. .. •• -■ 139,140 {b.) Russian — Officers .. .. .. .. .. .. •• 2.164 Soldiers .. .. .. .. .. •■ •• 101,087 (c.) Belgian — Officers .. .. .. .. .. .. •• 521 Soldiers .. .. .. .. .. •• ■• 31.^'86 (c/.) English- Officers .. .. .. .. .. •• •• 203 .Soldiers .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 8,641 No. 21. Sir Echoard Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, Nofemher 1, 1914. ^^--WITH reference to your memorandum of the 16th idtimo* in which you were so good as to communicate a copy of a telegram received by your Excellency from the Department of State at Washington suggesting that, as far as possible, German civihan prisoners detained in camps in the United Kingdom should be released, I have the honour to request that your Excellency will kindly enquire of the United States Ambassador in Berlin as to the number of British civilians who, while detained in Germany, are allowed full liberty there. Without this information it is, in the opinion of the Secretary of State for the Home Department, impossible to make any comparison on the basis of the figures quoted by the German Government. I have, &c. E. GREY. • S.^f No. IC. No. 22. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — {l^eccived November [).) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretarj^ of State for Foreign Affairs and has the honour to transmit, herewith enclosed, the copy of a letter he has just received from the Ambassador at Berlin on the subject of the lists of German prisoners of war interned in (ireat Britain. American Embassy, London, November 6, 1914. 16 • Enclosure in No. 2"2. Mr. Gerard to Mr. Page. Sir, American Embassy, Berlin, November 3, 1914. I HAVE the honour to inform you, referring to your letter of the 24th October, with an enclosure from the British Foreign Office, that the German Government beg to repeat their request that the place of internment of German prisoners of war interned in Great Britain may be stated on all the lists which are received. I have, &c. JAMES W. GERARD. No. 23. Sir Edward Grey to Mi: Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, November 13, 1914. WITH reference to the note which your Excellency was so good as to address to me on the 31st ultimo* regarding spiritual ministrations to prisoners of war, I have the honour to state, for the information of the United States Amliassador at Berlin, that full facilities have been and are being given to ministers of religion to minister to the spiritual needs of German prisoners of war interned in the United Kingdom. I have, &c. E. GREY. * See No. 19. No. 24.* Memorandum. THE American Ambassador asked- me to-day whether the American Embassy would be allowed, as reports were being made in Germany about the treatment of German civilians in England, to send someone to visit the Germans interned in Newbury and Newcastle. The Ambassador also said that he had received specific complaints from Germans interned in Queensferry. He has given me the following copy of a letter from the American Ambassador in Berlin. The object of the Ambassador's enquiry is simply, by bringing out the facts, to prevent false statements from doiug harm in Germany, and at the same time, I assume, to contribute to the remedying of any grievances that may exist. The American Ambassador in Berlin is, I know, doing all in his power to secure good treatment for British su1)jects in Germany, and I think that it \vould be desirable to let the American Embassy here have full information as to our treatment of Germans. I have, &c. E. GREY. Foreign Office, November 13, 1914. * Also printed in " Miscellaneous, No. 8 (191o)": Cd. 7857. Enclosure in No. 24. Mr. Gerard to Mr. Page. Sir, American Embassy, Berlin, November 8, 1914. ALTHOUGH it may already be too late to be of much practical effect, I feel it my duty, in the interest of humanity, to urge you to obtain some formal declaration on the part of the British Government as to its purpose in ordering the wholesale concentration of Germans in Great Britain and Ireland, as is understood here to be the case. It is known here that many of the Germans interned belong to the labouring classes, and that their position is actually improved by their internment, and it is recognised that the British Government has the right to arrest persons when any well- founded ground for suspecting them to be spies exists. Great popular resentment 17 has been created by the reports of the arrest of other riermans, however, and the German authorities cannot exphiin or understand \vhy German travellers who have been taken from ocean steamers should not be permitted to remain at liberty, of course under police control, even if they are compelled to stay in England. The order for the general concentration of British males between the ages of 17 and 55, which went into effect on the 6th instant, was occasioned by the pressure of public opinion, which has been still further excited by the newsx^aper reports of a considerable number of deaths in the concentration camps. Up to the Gth considerable liberty of movement had been allowed to British subjects in (Germany, and, as you were informed in my telegram of the 5th, many petitions were received from them setting forth the favourable conditions under which they were permitted to live and to carry on their business, and urging the similar treatment of German subjects in England. I cannot but feel that to a great extent the English action and the German retaliation has been caused by a misunderstanding which we should do our best to remove. It seems to me that wo should do all in our power to prevent an increase of the bitterness which seems to have arisen between the German and English peoples, and to make it possible for the two countries to become friends on the close of the wai". I have, &c. JAMES W. GERARD. No. 25. Mr. Page, Uiiiled States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Greyr — {Received Novcjuber 17.) Sir, American Embassy, London, November 16, 1914. WITH reference to previous correspondence on the subject of German prisoners of war in England, I have the honour to acquaint you with the contents of a telegram I have just received from the Ambassador at Berlin making enquiries as to the treatment accorded to them, as follows : — " Foreign Office desires full information how German ofhcers, officials, and soldiers, according to rank, imprisoned in England, are paid, cared for, housed, and clothed." I have, &c. WALTER HINES PAGE. • Alreiidy laid before Parliament, see "Miscellaneous, No. 5 (191."))": Cd. 7815, No. 1. • No. 26. Mr. Piigr, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received November 21.) Sir, American Embassy, London, November 20, 191-1. I HAVE the honour to transmit the following copy of a telegram I have just received from the Ambassador at Berlin regarding the need of imiforms for British officers interned in Germany : — "Urgent need exists for aljout lUU military uniforms for British officers not permitted to wear civilian clothing. Overcoats particularly necessary. Suggest this be sent through American Consulate, Rotterdam." I have, i^-c. WALTEIJ lllXES PALiE. No. 27. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Ujjice, Norcmber 21, lUll. I HAVE the honour to transmit to your Excellency, herewith, translation of what appears to ho a circular or notice issued by the Prussian War Office, to which my [395] C* 18 attention has been drawn. The last sentence of the first paragraph and the second paragraph of this notice appear to signify that the Prisoners of War Information Bureau attached to the Prussian War Office will not reply to personal enquiries from enemy subjects with regard to prisoners interned in Gennany. As your Excellency is aware, article 14 of the annex to The Hague Convention No. IV, of the 18th October, 1907, provides for the establishment of a bureau for infomiatiou relating to prisoners of w^ar, the business of this bureau being, inter alia, "to reply to all enquiries about the prisoners." In accordance with the stipulations of the article in question, the Prisoners of War Information Bureau set up by His Majesty's Government is doing Avhat it can at present to answer all personal enquiries, including a large number which are arriving daily from German}', totalling over 2,000. I shall be grateful if your Excellency will cause the German Government to be informed that the British Prisoners of War Bureau will continue to answer all personal enquiries about German prisoners of war in the United Kingdom, and that His Majesty's Government expect that the German bureau will answer all personal enquiries from the United Kingdom or elsewhere about British prisoners of war or civilians interned in Germany. I have, &c. E. GREY. Enclosure in No. 27. Tnfdvviatiou abo-iit P)-isoners of War in Germany. (Translation.) WITH the Zentral-Nachweise-Bureau of the Prussian War Office there has been established a section collecting all information about the soldiers of the hostile armies who are kept prisoners in Germany. By mediation of the neutral States the lists of this section are forwarded to the Governments of those hostile countries in which similar central information offices exist. The central oflice ot the Red Cross at Geneva receives likewise all those lists. Moreover, one containing the Belgian prisoners of war in Germany is delivered to the German Government in Brussels. These rolls are continually beiug completed. But the Zentral-Nachweise-Bureau has nothing to do Avith correspondence, which must be done directly through the commanders of the competent concentration camps for prisoners or of the hospitals. Therefore the citizens of the countries which wage war with Germany have to apply for information to their own Governments. Nor will the Prussian War Office give any information by mediation of German citizens. Only those foreign landlords who can send in testimonials of Gennan soldiers lodged by them that they have met in their houses with a kind reception may be assured that their wishes, if such are uttered, will be listened to very benevolently. Berliyi, Dorotheenstrasse, 48. No. 28. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, November 23, 1914. I HAVE the honour to inform you that I am in the receipt of frequent enquiries as to the means by which letters, parcels, and money may be transmitted to civilian British subjects interned in concentration camps in Germany, and more particularly in that at Ruhleben. As your Excellency is aware, German civilians detained in the United Kingdom enjoy considerable privileges in this respect, and a large number of letters, some 2,000 a day, reach the Prisoners of War Information Bureau, by which they are distributed to the various places of internment. If, however, it is found that British civilians do not enjoy the same favourable treatment, it may be necessary to discontinue this practice. I should be glad if your Excellency would be so good as to request the United States Ambassador to bring the above considerations to the notice of the German 19 Government, and to enquire whether they are prepared to afford reciprocal facilities to British civilians detained in Germany, and, if so, as to the channel by which the correspondence, incliulin}• Mr. E. P. Gaston. Enclosure in No. 30. Letter froj)i ihc Amei-iean Consrd at Leipzig. Sir, Leipzig, November 16, 1914. IN order that I may contribute my own observations in support of the contention that the German military authorities are treating humanely their prisoners of war, I have the honour to report as follows : — On Saturday afternoon, the 14th instant, I visited the military concentration camp, near Merseburg, where some 10,000 prisoners of Avar are interned. The object [395] C 2 20 of my visit was to investigate the claim of a French prisoner that he is an American citizen. The result of my ohservation regarding the welfare and humane treatment of the prisoners at large was a surprise to me. Of the 10,000 prisoners interned, about 7,000 are Frenchmen, the remainder being Russians, British, Bedouins, and Negroes. Separated by nationality, these prisoners are housed in wooden buildings, well louilt, ventilated, and heated. Water is piped into the enclosure and electric lights are sufficiently placed. The prisoners, excepting some of the Frenchmen, appeared to be warmly clothed, and to be protected by heavy overcoats. They sleep upon straw mattresses in well-warmed quarters, and, as far as I could judge, are as well or better housed than are labourers upon public works in the United States. The prisoners are fed three times a day. Breakfast consists of coffee and bread. Dinner consists of vegetable and meat soup and bread, and for supper they are given bread and coffee. I was informed that many of the prisoners have some money, and that they are allowed to buy whatever else they may wish to eat. If I may judge from the mounds of empty beer bottles at hand, there is evidence in support of this statement. The prisoners appeared to be in good health and cheerful, many of them engaging in games and other pastimes. I have, &c. W. E. KENT. No. 31. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey — {Received Dcecmhcr 2.) Sir, Awcrican Emhassij, London, Decemhcr 1, 1914. WITH reference to the note which you addressed to me on the 13th October last,""'' relating to correspondence with the Prisoners of War Information Bureau in Berlin, I have the honour to transmit herewith enclosed the copy of a reply which I have received from the Ambassador at Berlin, covering translation of a note received by him from the German Government in relation to this matter. I have, &c. WALTER HINES PAGE. * See No. 13. Enclosure 1 in No. 31. Mr. Gerard to Mr. Page. Sir, American Emhassy, Berlin, November 24, 1914. REFERRING to your letter of the loth October, with an enclosure from Sir E. Grey relating to correspondence with the Prisoners of War Information Bureau in Berlin, I have the honour to transmit herewith a translation of a note received from the German Government in relation to this matter. The German Government state that, although the Prisoners of War Information Bureau in Berlin is unable to answer enquiries from private individuals concerning prisoners of war interned in Germany, such enquiries may be sent to a bureau established for that purpose by the German Society of the Red Cross, the address of which is stated in the note. I have, &c. (For the Aanbassador), J. T. GREW. 21 Enclosure 2 in No. 31. ISlotc communicated to American Embassy, Berlin, by German Government. (Translation.) TJIl'j Foreign Office has the honour to inform the Embassy of the United States of America, in reply to the note verbale of the 23rd October, that direct means of communication between the British Government and the Zentrulnuchweisebureau of the Royal Prussian Ministry of War relative to the transmission of information concerning prisoners of war does not appear practicable, and that, furthermore, this bureau is not in a position to answer single enquiries from private individuals concerning the subjects of enemy countries who are prisoners of war in Germany. Such individual information, however, will be given as far as possible by the Abteiluug fiir Kriegsgpfangencnfursorge der Deutschen Vereine vom Koten Kreuz, Zentralkomitee, Abgeordueteuhaus, Prinz Albrechtstrasse, Berlin. Berlin, 'November 23, 1914. No. 32. Sir Edirard Grey to Mr. Page, Vnllcd States Ambafisadnr in London.^' Your Excellency, Foreign Office, December 2, 11)14. WITH reference to your Excellency's note of the lOth ultimo, f forwarding a request from the German Government for information regarding the pay and treatment of German prisoners of war in this country, I have the honour to inform your Excellency that officers, both military and naval, are given half the pay of the corresponding ranks of infantry in the British army. In certain cases the amount of pay in the British army varies with the length of service in that rank, and in such cases the lowest rate of pay is issued. Officers are messed free and are allowed to piirchase such liquors as they may wish, but they are expected to clothe themselves, ami this is the only expense they are called on to meet. ]\Iedical attendance is provided, and all medicines are issued fi'ee. If His Majesty's Government can learn that British officers in German hands receive the full pay of corresponding ranks in the German army, they are prepared to do the same as regards German officers interned in this country ; but those officers will then be required to iray for their food. I have tl>e honour to remind your Excellency, in this connection, that no reply has j'et been received from the German Government to the note from this Department of the 2-lth September last, explaining the interpretation which His Majesty's Government proposed to place on article 17 of the annex to The Hague Convention of 1907, which deals with the pay of officer prisoners of war. 1. The acconmiodation provided for officers is entirely apart from soldiers, and is either in country houses or ofHcers' quarters in barracks. Their quarters are comfortably furnished but without luxiuy. Servants are foimid for officers from among the prisoners of war. 2. Officials. — In certain cases officials are interned in officers' camps ; they live under the same conditions as officers, but receive no pay. 3. Soldiers receive free rations, clothing, and medical attendance, also working pay at English rates when employed. They are housed partly in barracks and other buildings, which arc well heated and lighted. Some are still in tents, but these will be moved to cover within the next few daj'S. Canteens ai'c provided, where tobacco, fruit, and other minor luxuries can be purchased. Prices, which are fixed by the commandants, are on tiie same scale as that charged to British soldiers. I should explain to your Excellency that this report is forwarded in anticipation of fuller reports on the treatment of military and civilian prisoners of war in this country. I have, &c. E. GREY. • Already laid before Parliament, see " Miscellaneous, Xo. 5 (1915) " : Cd. 7815, No. 2. t No. 2.->. [395] C 3 2-1 No. 33. Sir Edward Gh'ey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, December 3, 1914. Wrm reference to youi- note of the 20tli ultimo,*' forwarding copy of a telegram from the United States Ambassador at Berlin regarding the need of uniforms for British officers interned in Germany, I have the honour to inform your Excellency that the Army Council have taken steps to despatch the necessary uniforms and clothing. I should be grateful if your Excellency would be so good as to convey to the United States Ambassador at Berlin an expression of the appreciation of the Amiy Council for his Excellency's communication on the subject. I have, &c. E. GREY. * No. 2(5 No. .".4. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received December 11.) Ajiierican Embassy, London, Sir, December 9, 1914. I HAVE the honour to quote the following telegram, which I have received from the Secretary of State at Washington, relating to parcels destined for British prisoners in Germany : — " Please inform British Foreign Office, German Government states packages, &c., sent by enemy countries to combatant and civilian prisoners interned in Germany are admitted free of duty, and desires ascertain if reciprocal in Great Britain and colonies." I have, &c. WALTER HINES PAGE. No. 3.5. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, December 11, 1914. I HAVE the honour to inform your ExceUencj^ that His Majesty's Minister at Stockholm has reported that, according to information received from Russians lately returned from Germany, the British prisoners of w'ar interned at Munsterlager, near Hanover, complain greatly of ill-treatment, and that and three other officers detained on the Island of Danholm, near Stralsund, are much in need of warm clothing and money. I should be grateful if your Excellency would be so good as to call the attention of the United States Ambassador at Berlin to these statements, and to take such action as may be possible in the matter. I have, &c. E. GREY. No. 36. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London.* Your Excellency, Foreign Office, December 14, 1914. WITH reference to the interview which Mr. Chandler Anderson had with the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on the 2oth ultimo, respecting the treatment of German prisoners of war interned in this countrj^, I have the honour to transmit to your Excellency a memorandum dealing Avith the points raised by the Secretary of State's Department at Washington both as regards military and civilian prisoners. * Already laid before Parliament, .see " Mi-scellaneous, No. 5 (1915)" : Cd. 7815, No. 3. 23 This memorandum, together with the information as to oflBcers given in my letter of the 2nd instant,* will, it is hoped, provide all the infomiation which your l^xcellency would desire to transmit for the information of the German Government. Should it appear to your Excellency to need amplilication in any particnlar, I should be glad to have a further statement prepared. With regard to the funds in the possession of the Embassy to be used on behalf of German prisoners, the Army Council view with favour the proposal to form a committee of prisoners in each place of detention to co-operate with American officials for the distribution and emploj'ment of these fimds. I should be glad to be informed of the further steps which your Excellency would desire- this Department or the War Office to take in the matter. I have, &c. E. GREY. • See No, 32. Enclosure in No. 'o(J. Memorandum on the Treatment of Interned Civilians and of Prisoners of War in the United Kingdom. 1. Housing. — Some are lodged on board ship, some in barracks, some in large buildings which have been taken over for the purpose, and some in huts which have been constructed. These are all warm and well lighted. Interned civilians have been given the opportunity to elect for better accommoda- tion and food at their own expense. Those who do not avail themselves of this are divided into social classes in the various places of internment. They all receive the same accommodation and food, but can consort with those of their own class. 2. Rations. — The rations issued are the same as to the German military and naval prisoners, and are issued free. They consist of : — Bread, 1 lb. 8 oz., or biscuits, 1 lb. Meat, fresh or frozen, 8 oz., or pressed, 4 oz. Tea, ^ oz., or coffee, 1 oz. Salt, I oz. Sugar, 2 oz. Condensed milk, -gij- tin (1 lb.). Fresh vegetables, 8 oz. Pepper, --\ oz. 2 oz. cheese to be allowed as an alternative for 1 oz. butter or margarine. 2 oz. of pear, beans, lentils, or rice. 3. Canteens are provided for the purchase of tobacco, small luxuries, and other things which the prisoners may need. L Sanitary conditions. — Sanitary arrangements of necessity differ in each camp. They are under the control of the medical olficer in charge, and he is in frequent touch with the local medical officer of health. Two officers, experts in sanitation, constantly visit the various camps with a view to making the conditions as nearly perfect as possible. That these efforts are being successful is evident by the fact that the number of deaths from natural causes up to the beginning of December in all places of internment have amounted to five, namely, one from valvular heart disease, two from aneurism of aorta, one from dropsy, one from typhoid (contracted before arrival in camp). A resident medical officer forms part of the staff of each place of internment, and in each is a hospital where minor cases of sickness can be dealt with. More serious cases are removed to local hospitals, and in some cases to the German hospital in London. Soldier and sailor prisoners of war who require hospital treatment are admitted to military hospitals and treated in precisely the same way as British soldiers and sailors. Officers are in officers' wards. 5. Occupation. — Everything possible is done to provide the prisoners with recreation, mental and bodily, and in each place of internment a committee is formed from among the prisoners (whether soldiers or civilians) to organise amusements and to frame suggestions for occupation, either intellectual or athletic. In this the military authorities are aided by philanthropic individuals and bodies. In certain c.nses prisoners, both soldiers and civilians, have been employed in making roads, biiilding [395] ' C 4 24 huts for tliemselves, levelling aud clearing ground. Civilians are employed on such work only if they volunteer for it, but should they so volunteer they are paid at the same rate as is given to soldiers, namely, that which is paid to our own soldiers in this country for similar work. All prisoners do their own cooking, and generally look to the cleanliness and good order of their camps. Books are supplied in each place of internment. . 6. Clothing. — An ample supply of first-class clothing, including overcoats, boots, shirts, aud underclothing, as well as towels, soap, &c., is kept in each camp, and is supplied to those who may have need of it free of charge. Several cases have been brought to notice where aliens have gambled away the garments given to them, and have accordingly suffered from want of clothing until this has been supplied for a second time. 7. Money. — Any money found on a prisoner on internment above a small siim (say, 1?.) is taken in charge by the camp conunandaut and a receipt is given to the man, who can then draw on the balance in the commandant's hands at such times aud in such amounts as he may require and the commandant may think advisable. Similarly, money sent to a jn-isoner is, if in large amounts, taken in charge by the commandant, a receij)t is given to the man, aud he may obtain this money imder the same conditions as money taken from him on internment. For any sum of money paid to or received from cither side a receipt is always given. Within these restrictions the amount Avhich a prisoner may receive is unlimited. 8. Gifts, Avhether sent from a neutral country or received from other sources, are permitted, subject only to inspection by the camj) staff before delivery to the recipient. 9. Correspondence. — Every interned prisoner is permitted to write two letters a week, each consisting of two pages of ordinary writing paper, ruled. No writing is allowed between the lines. These are despatched twice a week, after being censored. In special cases, where a man can show need for it, the number and length of his letters is unlimited. There is no limitation to the number of letters which a man may receive. Letters from or to prisoners may be written in either German or English, but when in German there is greater delay in censorship. 10. Washing. — Arrangements are made in each place of internment for the washing of clothes, which is done by the individual, aud of the j^erson. In most cases hot-water shower-baths are provided, and it is hoped that these will soon be estabhshed everywhere. No. 37. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Amhassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, December 17, 1914. WITH reference to the communication which you were so good as to address to me on the 6th ultimo,* respecting a request from the German Government that the place of internment of German prisoners of war in Great Britain might be stated on all the lists communicated to that Government, I have the honour to remind your Excellency that no reply has yet been received from Berlin to the complaints formulated in my note of the loth October,| pointing out certain deficiencies in the lists of prisoners sent to this country from Germany. Since the date of these representations, a greater amount of information has been received as to the i:)hysical condition of the prisoners, but the hsts are still deficient in so many points that the Army Council have not hitherto felt themselves disposed to accede to the Grerman Government's request. They have, however, uow decided to modify their attitude, as they understand that the withholding of this information is being made a pretext by the German Govermnent for refusing to the Belgian Authorities information about I3elgian prisoners of war. If the Coiincil now consent to the place of internment being stated in future in lists of the German prisoners of war, it will only be on the condition of recii^rocal improvements in the German lists. The Army Council have caused all the lists from Germany to be specially examined, and they find that even the most recent lists rarely state the regimental numbers of the men. Although in most cases the names of regiments are given, the recent lists of officers and soldiers in hospital in Germany were so deficient in this respect that it has been impossible, in a very large number of cases, to identify to which regiment a man belongs, and, where identification has been possible, it has been only after excessive trouble. * See No. 22. + See No. U. 25 The spelling of the names is most inaccurate, and abbreviations are used which are not explained and which are often difficult to elucidate. It is most important that there should be a uniform system of giving the information respecting prisoners of war, and with this object, I have the honour to transmit to your Excellency, for communication to the German Government, copies of the forms which are in use by the Prisoners of War Information Bureau in London,* in the hope that : — 1. The information as to British prisoners may be given in a columned form similar to that on Form 1 I, B/20. 2. 'J'hut llie regimental number and full name of the regiment may in all cafses be stated. 3. That a list of any abbreviations may be attached. I also enclose lists* of prisoners wliich have already been communicated, on which the Army Council would be grateful if the names of regiments could be inserted in all cases where they are missing. In order that a correct spelling of tlie name may be obtained, it is suggested that the prisoner of "war should be required to write down particulars of himself, and, where possible, sign the form as is provided for in part 2 of form I B/1 also enclosed.* I should add that in order to minimise errors in the lists sent to the German Government, the names are transcribed at the War Office by speciallj' selected clerks having a good knowledge of the German language. The lists as at present received from the German Government state neither whether they are complete for any particular camp or camps, nor whether they are complete for any camp or camps for an}"- given date, and, as regular reports of the death of officers and men have not hitherto been received, it is impossible to be certain whether prisoners, taken prior to any given date, will remain in Germany xmaccouuted for. For example, there are no means of knowing whetlier the German Government have accounted for all those who were taken prisoners in the lighting during the -retreat from Mons. In tliis connection I would be glad if the German Government could be invited to give, if possible, an assurance (a) that all the prisoners taken, up to any given date, as recent as possible, have been included in the lists sent to this country, and (b) that future lists will, for the camps to whicli they refer, be complete up to a date stated on each list. If, in addition, an assurance can be obtained that regular reports of the death of officers and men would be furnished, the Army Council would be to some extent in a position, in cases where an officer or man has been reported " nrissing " by the militarj' authorities and remains unaccoiinted for as a prisoner, to presume death. For the purpose of terminating the issue of pay and settling up the estates of officers, or effects and accounts of men, it is necessary to have the most conclusive evidence obtainable on this point. The Army Council are rd.uctant to multiply complaints, but they have received information from many sources that the postal parcels sent from this country, through the medium of the Dutch Post Office, are not reaching the recipients in the camps in Germany. Some delay is doubtless inevitable, but the actual deficiencies in the delivery of j)arcels are more than can be accounted for merely by the disorganisation incidental to the state of war. The Army Council would be glad if the above i)oints could be brought to the notice of the German Government, and hope that, as they are now arranging for the place of internment of those Germans hereafter reported as interned in this country to be given, the German Government will, as an act of reciprocity, carry out the improvements in the prisoners' lists, and in postal parcel service above indicated. I have, &c. E. GREY. * Not printed. No. 38. j\}r. Paye, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received December 17.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreigu Affairs, and has the honom- to enclose herewith, for his information, 26 copy of a communication, dated 9th. December, which he has received from the Ambassador in Berlin, relative to the sending of parcels and packages to prisoners of war in Germany. American Embassi/, London; December 16,'l914. Enclosure in No. 38. Mr. Gerard to Mr. Page. Sir, American Embassy, Berlin, December 9, 1914. I HAVE the honour to give yoxi the following information, which I have received from the German Government, relating to the matter of the sending of parcels and packages to prisoners of war. The Imperial Government state that parcels may be sent up to 5 kilog. in weight, with or without a declaration of value, which should not exceed 8,000 M. I have, &c. JAMES W. GERARD. No. 39. Sir G. BiicJianan, Ills Majesty's Minister in Petrograd, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received December 21. ) Sir, Petrograd, December 9, 1914. I HAVE the honour to transmit to you herewith a translation of a statement made by a doctor in the Russian army who called at the Embassy yesterday to enquire whether anything could be done to better the treatment of two British officers whom he had met when detained as a prisoner of war at Stralsund. I expressed my thanks to the Russian officer and informed him that his statement would be forwarded to you for any action that might be found possible. I have, &c. GEORGE W. BUCHANAN. Enclosiire in No. 39. Statement made by a Russian medical officer just returned from three weeks detention as prisoner of war at Danholm bei Stralsund. THE British officers are not as well treated as the Russian officers. They are classed among the less-educated Russians, who speak no language other than Russian, so that they cannot talk. The Russians are allowed to buy books, but the British officers are not allowed to do so. The German lieutenant in charge is openly insulting and hostile towards the British prisoners. One British officer complained of his conduct and expressed the opinion that the German officer was acting on his own feelings and that the German authorities were not aware of his conduct towards the British officers, but the doctor did not entirely share that view. With regard to the food, the doctor said it was very bad, both in quality and quantity. The coffee was bad and made with dirty water. The officers were given three pieces of bread a day made with potato meal. Lunch consisted mostly of potatoes. In the evening they received bread and a sn:all slice of sausage. The cost of the above was 1"50 M. A lieutenant Avas allowed GO M. a month, but from this was deducted 45 M. for the above food. Only within the last week was he allowed to buy what he liked if he had money of his own. Officers of higher grades received 100 J\[. a month. 27 Xo. 40. Mr. Prpjc, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received December 22.) THK American Ainhassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and lias the honour to enclose herewith, for his information, a copy of a communication, dated the 2nd December, which he has received from the Ambassador in Berlin, in reference to the actions of the Information Bureau of the Royal Prussian Ministry of War. American Embassy, London, December 19, 1914. Enclosure in No. 40. Mr. Gerard to Mr. I'afje. Sir, American Embassy, Berlin, December 2, 1914. I ITAV E the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd November, with an enclosure from Sir Edward Grej', relating to the failure of the Information Bureaii of the Royal Prussian Ministry of War to answer personal enquiries from enemy subjects with regard to prisoners interned in Germanj'. In this connection I beg to call your attention to my letter of the 24th November, enclosing a copy of a note received from the German Foreign Office, dated the 23rd November, stating that although the Information Bureau of the Royal Prussian Ministry of War is not in a position to answer individual enquiries, yet enquiries of this sort may be addressed to the Abteilung fiir Kriegsgefangenenfiirsoge der Deutschen Yereine vom Roten Kreuz, Zentralkomitee, Abgeordnetenhaus, Priuz Albrechtstrasse, Berlin. I hesitate to bring the matter a second time to the attention of the German Government, as it appears to me that the German Government's note verbalc of the 23rd November is a full explanation of their attitude in this'matter, and, although it is written with reference to the enclosure from Sir Edward Grey, in your letter'of the 15th October on the same subject, it appears to me to be equally applicable to the enclosure in your letter of the 23rd November. I have, &c. (For the Ambassador), J. C. GREW. No. 41. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edicard Grey. — {Received December 24.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and, with reference to a telephone conversation of to-day between Mr. Laughliu of this" Embassy and Mr. Tilley of His Majesty's Foreign Otlice, has the honour to quote the following telegram received from the Ambassador at Berlin through the Secretary of State at Washington : — " Have received from the Imperial Foreign Office sum of 200,000 ^I. for relief German subjects in England. As I shall need such a smu here for relief of British subjects, and as the British Government has signified its willingness to deposit the equivalent smn in London, I am holding this 200,000 M. pending notification of this fact. Telegraph wishes of British Government. — Ger.\rd." Mr. Tilley has|informed Mr. Laughliu that His Majesty's Government is trans- ferring the sum of 10,000/. to Mr. Page, who has telegraphed accordingly to the Ambassador in Berlin in order that the sum transferred by the Gemian Government may be immediately available. American Embassy, London, December 23, 1914. 28 No. 42. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Youi- Excellency, Foreign Office, December 24, 1914. I HA.VE the liouour to transmit herewitli an order on His Majesty's Paymaster- General in your Excellency's fav^our for the sum oi 10,000/. to be expended for the relief of British subjects in Germany. I have, &c. E. GREY. No. 43. Sir Edward Grcij to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, December 2u, 1914. WITH reference to the note which your Excellency was so good as to address to me on the 2nd instant, transmitting a report by Mr. Gaston on the concentration camp at Ruhleben,* the enclosed daily dietaries of the camps at Knockaloe and Douglas will show that the scale of dietary for the prisoners at Ruhleben compares very unfavouraJjly with that sanctioned for the camps under the control of the War OfBce in this country, and appear to be quite inadequate. The facilities allowed to British prisoners in the matter of visits and correspondence are also much less favourable than tliose granted to German prisoners in the detention camps in the United Kingdom, details of which I had the honour to transmit to your Excellency on the 14th instant.f I should be grateful if your Excellency would call the attention of the United States Ambassador at Berlin to the above points, and request his Excellency to take such action as may be possible in the matter. I have, &c. E. GREY. • Not printed. f See No. 36. Enclosure in No. 43. Scale of Rations approved for Prisoners of War. BREAD, 1 lb. S oz. ; or biscuits, 1 lb. Meat, fresh or frozen, 8 oz. ; or pressed, half ration. Tea, g- oz. ; or coffee, 1 oz. Salt, ^ oz. Sugar, 2 oz. Milk, condensed, .^^iih. tin (1 lb.). Vegetables, fresh, 8 oz. Pepper, tV oz. 2 oz. cheese to be allowed as an alternative issue for 1 oz. butter or margarine. 2 oz. of peas, beans, lentils, or rice. War Office, November 14, 1914. No. 44. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, December 26, 1914. I HAVE the honour to forward to your Excellency herewith copy of a report made by Major Vandeleur, 1st Cameronians, who has just escaped from Crefeld, where he was interned, on the treatment meted out to him and to other British officers and men after capture by the German forces and diu'ing their transfer to their place of internment. This report is submitted in the form in which it has been communicated to this office. I have further the honour to enclose an article by a United States citizen, describing a visit to the camp for prisoners of war at Doberitz. This article has been communicated to me by His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington. 29 I also enclose copy of u statement made to the Army Council by a Mr. a United States citizen who lives at Havre, on the manner in which British and French prisoners of" war in Germany — more especially the former — are being treated. Mr. has lately been to Berlin, where he had an interview with the United States consul-general, Mr. Lay. I may add that information regarding the bud treatment to wliich British prisoners of war in particular in Germany are being subjected, reaches His Majesty's Government from a variety of sources. Thus a llussiau medical officer who recently returned to Petrograd from three weeks detention as a prisoner of war at Diinholm, near Stralsund, where he made the acquaintance of Lieutenants and , of the , reports that the British officers are not so well treated as the Russian officers. The former are classed among the less educated Russians, who speak no language other than Russian, so that they cannot converse. The Russians are allowed to buy books, but the British officers are not 'allowed to do so. The German lieutenant in charge is openly insulting and hostile towards the British prisoners. The food it stated to be very bad both in quality and quantity. The coffee was bad and made with dirty water. The above information has been corroborated from another source. A French priest, who has returned to Rome from Minden, where a number of British prisoners of war were confined, is re])orted to have given an account of the cruelties practised upon the Biitish prisoners by their guards. While " the French prisoners were very well treated and " the Russians not so badly," the British were singled out for ill-treatment. Accoi'ding to the French priest " the German soldiers kick the British prisoners in the stomach, and break their guns over their backs ; tliey force them to sleep out in marshy places, so that many are now consumptive. The British are almost starved, and such have been their tortures that thirty of them asked to be shot." A letter communicated by the Speaker of the House of Commons to ^Jr. Acland, from a Fx-enchman well known to him and entirely trustworthy, corroborates the latter part of tlie above statement, saving that "at Minden for a long time the pri.sonei"s were camped on marshy ground with no shelter." Tlie statement is further corroborated in its entirety by French hospital assistants who have been prisoners of war at Minden and at Munster. According to a letter communicated by Lord R. Ci>cil, the officers at Sennelager are not allowed to write, and many of them are very ill for want of food and clothing. Article 4 of the regulations annexed to the convention signed at The Hague on tlie _ 18th October, 1907, respecting the laws and customs of war on land, to which Germany was a party, stipulates that " prisoners of war must be hmnanely treated," and that " all their personal belongings, except arms, horses, and military paper's remain their property." Article 7 of the same regulations provides tliat,l" in deftiult of special agreement between the belligerents, prisoners of war sliall be treated as regards rations, quarters, and clothing on the same footing as tlie troops of the Government which captured them." Speaking generally, the reports of ill-treatment to which I have the honour to draw your Excellency's attention, corroborated as this is from so many independent sources, sliow, as I am sure your Excellency will agree, that the German authorities are in many cases entirely neglecting the provisions of the articles dealing with the treatment of prisoners of war. His Majesty's Government feel bound, therefore, to protest in the strongest manner against the inhuman treatment to which it is unfortu- nately evident that many of the British prisoners of war in Germany are being subjected, and I shall be grateful if your Excellency will cause this protest to reach the Carman Government with as little delay as possible. His ^lajestys Government are all the more concerned by the reports which have reached them of tlie manner in which British prisoners of war in Germany have been singled out for ill-treatment, in that thev have, on their part, interpreted the above-mentioned provisions of The Hague Convention in a liberal spirit, and have, as your Excellency is aware, communicated to the German Government a full statement of the treatment shown to German prisonere of war in the United Kingdom. Your Excellency recently showed me a report made by Mr. Chandler Anderson containing the suggestion that the United States Government shoukl, on receiving an application to that eft'ect from His Majesty's Government, lend the services of a certain number of officials from the Quartermaster-General's or Pay Departments at Washington to superintend, with tlie authorisation of the German Government, the distribution of the necessary comforts, Sic, to British prisoners of war in Germany. 30 I am iu communicatiou with the Lords Commissiouers of the Treasury regarding this suggestion, which is gratefully appreciated by His Majesty's Government, and hope to be able to address to you detiuite proposals on the subject within a short time, but in view of the urgency of the matter, owing to the terrible distress evidently prevailing among our soldiers who are prisoners, and having regard to the time which must necessarily elapse before such a scheme can be put into operation, I venture to express the earnest hope that the United States Government will be willing at the earliest possible moment to cause a sum of money to be expended on providing money, clothing, extra food, and other things which seem necessary to raise the present standard of the prisoners to one of decent human existence. I realise that it would not be fair to ask that the United States Ambassador at Berlin should undertake responsibility for this work in any permanent fashion, except under some administrative scheme such as that referred to above, but I trust that he may be willing to undertake so vitally necessary a task of relief as that which now preseiits itself without waiting until regular machinery can be set up. I shall be willing to transmit to your Excellency a draft for 20,000L for this purpose as soon as I hear from your Excellency whether the United States Government will consent to add to the heavy obligation which His Majesty's Government already owe them by taking the measures which I have suggested. In conclusion I think it right to state that in any communication made to the German Government the names of the officers and others mentioned in this note and in the enclosed reports should be omitted, as it is to be feared that any such mention would operate to the disadvantage of the officers in question. Exception can, of course, be made in the case of Major Vandeleur. I feel sure that your Excellency will be impressed with the evident veracity and sincerity of Major Vandeleur's report, and think it right to add in this connection that the German authorities in the camp refused to allow him to communicate to Mr. Gerard at Berlin. He had v^ritten soon after his internment to the Prisoners' Help Society at Berlin, and received a letter in reply from Mr. Gerard on the 3rd November, iu which he was asked to furnish a complete roll of the British prisoners. He replied on the 5th November enclosing the i-oU, and thanking the Ambassador for his interest. On the 6th December this letter was returned to Major Vandeleur by the commandant, who stated that he had orders to prevent its being delivered. A farther letter from . Mr. Gerard was handed to Major Vandeleur a few days after this, which had been addressed by Mr. Gerard to the commandant of the camp, again asking for a complete list of prisoners. Major Vandeleur was asked by the commandant to prepare the list, which he at once did, but the list was handed back to him a few days later, with the statement that it would not be sent. Your Excellency, who has, I believe, received several communications from Germans interned in Great Britain, ^yill, I am sure, properly appreciate this incident. I have, &c, E. GREY. Enclosure 1 in No. 44. Report by Major 0. B. Vandeleur, 1st Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), attached to the Cheshire Regiment. I WAS taken prisoner on the 13th October, 1914, close to La Bassee in France by the Prussian Guard Cavalry. I myself, personally, was treated well by this corps, and was given food and shelter, but the other officers and men who were in charge of the same guard were not treated so well, they being given no food and confined in a church until the morning. I am sure that the treatment which I received was with the hope of getting information out of me. I was bombarded with numberless enquiries, especially with regard to the alleged use by the British of dum-dum bullets, and as to the state of the British army. On the morning of the 14th, I was fallen in with four other British officers and about 200 men, and was marched to Lens. Here a halt was made, and I pointed out that as I was wounded in the leg I could not march any further. I was then taken on to Douay in a motor, the remainder of the prisoners following by road (a considerable distance). At Douaj I was detained on the square in front of the H6tel de Villa with a 31 sentry over me, and was subjected to continual abuse and revilement. On the arrival of the other prisoners we were all confined in a large shed for the night. No food, except a little provided by the French Red Cross Society, was given, also no straw, and we spent a terrible night there, men being obliged to walk about all night to keep warm as their greatcoats had been taken from them. On the 17th October, in the morning, tlie French lied Cross people gave us what they could in food, and did their very best, in spite of opposition from the Germans. At about 2 P.M. on the same day we were all marched off to the railway station, being reviled at and cursed all the way by German officers as well as by German soldiers. One of our officers was spat on by a German officer. At the station we were driven into clo.sed-in wagons, from which horses had just been removed, fifty-two men being crowded into the one in which the other four officers and myself were. So tight were we packed, that there was only room for some of us to sit down on the floor. This floor was covered fully 3 inches deep in fresh manure, and the stench of horse urine was almost asphyxiating. We were boxed up in this foul wagon, witli practically no ventilation for thirty hours, with no food, and no opportunity of attending to purposes of nature. All along the line we were cursed by officers and soldiers iilikc ;it tlie various stations, and at Mons Bergen 1 was pulled out in front of tlie wagon by the order of the officer in charge of the station, and, after cursing me in filthy language for some 10 minutes, he ordered one of his soldiers to kick me back into the wagon, which he did, sending me sprawling into the filthy mess at the bottom of the wagon. I should like to mention here that I am thoroughly conversant with German, and understood everything that was said. Only at one station on the road was any attempt made on the part of German officers to interfere, and stop their men from cursing us. This officer appeared to be sorry for the sad plight in which we were in. I should also like to mention that two men of the German Guard also ajipeared to be sympathetic and sorry for us; but they were able to do little or nothing to protect us. Up to this time I had managed to retain my overcoat, but it was now forcibly taken from me by an officer at a few stations further on. On reaching the German-Belgian frontier, the French prisoners were given some potato soup. The people in charge of it told us that none was for us, but that if any was left over after the French had been fed we should get what remained. This is in accordance with the general treatment of British prisoners by the Germans, who always endeavour to attend to our necessities last, and to put us to as much inconvenience and ill-treatment as possible. We subsequently got a little soup and a few slices of bread amongst twenty-five British prisoners in the same wagon with me. On the 18th October, early, we arrived at Cologne, and the four officers and myself were removed from the wagon, and, after some delay, sent on to Crefeld. I said that fifty-two prisoners were in the wagon with m© when we left Douay. These were : [here follow the names of four officers], myself, fifteen English soldiers and 32 French civilians of all grades of society. It is tlifficult to indicate or give a proper idea of the indescribably wretched condition in which we were in after being starved and confined in the manner stated for three days and three nights. As is well known, one of these wagons is considered to be able to accommodate six horses or forty men, and this only with the doors open so as to admit of ventilation. What with the filth of the interior, the number of people confined in it, and the absence of ventilation, it seemed to recall something of what one has read of the Black Hole of Calcutta. To give an idea of the state of mind to which we have been reduced, I got one of the better-class French prisoners to secrete a letter to my wife in the hope that he might be able to get it out to her when he reached his destination, as these French civilian prisoners were being treated better than oiu-selves. They all expressed great pity for the way in which we wei'e being treated. I fo\md out that the wagon in front of us was full up witli English soldiers. This particular wagon had no ventilation slit of any sort or description, and men were crowded into this even worse than they were in the wagon in which I was. They banged away continually on th(» wooden sides of the van, and finally, as I supposed the Germans thought that they might be suflocated, a carpenter was got, who cut a small round hole in one of the sides. I am strongly of opinion myself that this brutal treatment of British officers and men on their way to a place of internment is deliberately arranged tor by superior authority with the object of making us as miserable and despicable objects as possible. The French officers were treated quite differently. On arrival at Crefeld our treatment improved. We (that is, the five officers) were 32 placet! in a barrack room which was intended to accommodate six people. We found there were already in the building ten other British officers. The following is a short statement of how the imprisoned officers were treated at Crefeld, and it will be seen that there was not so much to complain of here. Our daily routine was generally as follows: — 8 A.M.— Roll call. 8 '15 A.M.- — Breakfast, which was served, in two detachments, as the feeding arrangements only admitted of half the officers taking meals at one time. Breakfast consisted of poor coffiie with milk, bread, and margarine. 11 "45 A.M. and 1'15 P.M. — Dinner. This was also served in two detachments. It consisted of very poor soup, being the water in which our meat was cooked ; meat, generally pork, with potatoes and sauerkraut, but once a week we had beef, and very occasionally mutton ; vegetables have also been supplied latterly, after continued complaint. 6 '45 and 8 r.M. — The evening meal took place, and consisted, as a rule, of slices of sausages with bread and margarine, and coffi^e. 9-30 P.M. — Evening roll call, after which we had to go to our rooms. 10'45 P.M. — Lights were ordered to be out. As regards recreation, we were allowed to make use of the gravel quadrangle inside the barracks, and we were also able to secure a football. By walking round and round the quadrangle we were able to keep ourselves reasonably fit. The quadrangle was some 70-80 yards long and about 60 yards wide, and surrounded by buildings three or four storeys high on two sides. On one of its sides was the stabling. No recreation rooms were provided, but we were allowed to use the dining hall after meals had been cleared away. For servants, we had French, Russian, and British imprisoned soldiers, one orderly to every fifteen officers for the purpose of keeping the rooms clean. Most of the rooms in which we were housed were capable of accommodating six soldiers. In most cases seven or eight officers were put into them. Officers had to make their own beds and brush their own boots in nearly all cases. The beds we slept on were as proviiled for the German soldiers, and were very hard and uncomfortable, and I found it difficult to get any real rest on them. A canteen was provided at the barracks, at which we were able to purchase foodstuffs and necessary clothing, which was run by the Germans. We could also obtain mineral waters. No alcoholic drinks of any sort or Ijeer were permitted. As regards pay, a subaltern received GO M., an officer senior to this rank 100 M. per month. As 2 M. per diem were charged for the food supplied, it will be seen that subalterns never actually handled any of this pay. We were pemiitted to receive money from England, but were not allowed to have in our possession more than 100 M. at a time. With respect to religious matters, a Lutheran parson came to visit us and asked to hold services, and did so for one or two Sundays ; but he made so many unpleasant remarks about the late King and the British that decided that we should hold our own services. I heard that the Roman Catholic priest who came to visit also was a man of quite a different stamp. I would especially call attention to the barbarous way in which British soldiers are being treated in the various laagers by the Germans. The information given below has been obtained from the British orderlies who came to Crefeld as servants, and also from English and French medical officers who had been in the camps, which in manv cases were composed of tents. The men all had their greatcoats — and in many cases their tunics as well — and their money taken away from them, and are in great need of clothing, and particularly underclothing. It appears that the Germans supplied them with wooden clogs when boots were worn out. The men state that they slept on straw which had not been changed tor months, and was quite sodden and rotten. All the men who came as orderlies were crawling in vermin and half of them were suffering from the itch. The medical officer had to isolate these men before they could be employed as servants. I was also informed by them that the feeding arrangements for the British soldier were very bad indeed, and as the men had no money to supplement their rations they were in a half-starved condition, which their appearance corroborated. I should like to mention that I sent a letter to the Foreign Office secretly, some three weeks ago, about the way in which the men w^ere treated, giving the name of a witness who is now in France. I hear that this letter reached its destination. In my 33 opinion I think something should be urgently done to try to ameliorate the lot of the British soldier who is a prisoner in Germany. It is also a fact that the British soldiers are used solely for all menial duties and dirty work connected with the camps, such as cleaning out latrines and such-like ; also every other unpleasant fatigue duty. In connection with this the French orderlies at Crefeld stated to me that they were very sorry indeed to see the British soldier treated in such an ignoble and disgraceful manner, being, in fact, more like slaves, the idea being to create ill-feeling between the French and British soldiers by this means. I also wish to state that , who arrived at Crefeld about December, told me that all the Irishmen at his camp (I think, but am not sure, that it was ) were collected together shortly before he left, and were harangued l>y the com- mandant, who stated that the Emperor was aware of the down-trodden state of Ireland, and now wished that the Irishmen should be placed in a separate camp, where they would be better fed and treated differently from the Englishmen. He further stated that subsequently they went in a body to the comniandunt, and said they did not wish to have any different treatment from their compatriots. C. B. VANDELEUR. Dccemher 24, 1914. Enclosure 2 in No. 44. Major Vandeleur's Notes. Food. — 2 M. a day charged in the case of officers ; food given moderately good in quality, but insutficieut and bad for the money charged. Men, only twenty at Crefeld ; these on arrival complained bitterly of the way they had been fed and treated at previous camps. Clothing. — Officers. No clothing given to officers, but allowed to order from tailors. Articles of clothing (caps and great-coats) systematically taken away from officers, and tunics in many cases. Men. — No great-coats, socks, or underclothing issued. Wooden clogs and shoddy trousers issued. Money. — Money in possession of offiicers and men systematically taken away on journey to camps in spite of Government prohibition said to exist, and no receipts given. At camps 60 M. a month issued to subalterns (which is all expended on messing charged), and 100 M. to officers of senior rank. Money received from England given to officers subject to a maximum of 100 M. being in the possession of any officer at any one time. Similar rule in the case of men with a maximum of 10 M. Rest of money retained by commandant, and receipts given. Hospitals. — Reasonably good at Crefeld. No complaints regarding skiU of doctors. Beligious Services. — Facilities given. Housing. — Warming and lighting reasonable, but rooms overcrowtled. Letters and Postcards. — Two a month allowed to be written. Letters and postcards received from England (with delays) up to ten days ago, when the delivery of letters almost ceased. Parcels arrive through the General Post Office system reasonably well. Money received through the General Post Office and through Messrs. Cox and Co.'s agents. Customs Duty. — Up to about fourteen days ago Customs duties were charged on everything. Duties have now been taken off. Different details of Treatment as between one camp and another probably due to the fact that the army corps commanders, in whose charge the camps are. have discretion as to the settlement of details. Lists of Prisoners. — No trouble is taken to have a list compiled. Medical Ojjlcers. — When the French medical officers were allowed to go the British medical officers were retained. Treatment between time of Capture and An- ival in the place of Intemiment. — Brutal in the extreme. Evidence collected at Crefeld by the officers there shows that officers and men have been killed after capture. [395] " ~ D 34 Enclosure 3 in No. 44. December 21, 1914. THE followiug is a statement made to me yesterday by Mr. , an American citizen who lives in Havre. He has lately been to Berlin, where he had an interview with the American consul-general, Mr. Lay : — " The French and British prisoners of war are in need of money and warm clothing. This applies probably to the Russian prisoners also. As there are altogether 600,0(J0 prisoners in Germany the German organisation has not been able to cope satisfactorily with this number. The treatment varies between one camp and another. If the British, French, and Russian Governments could take up the matter on a thorough business basis, a great deal of want and sufiering could be relieved. "An American committee working in conjunction with the American Express Company, of Berlin (this firm is practically a banking firm), could, if supplied with funds by the three Governments of the Triple Entente, issue pay to ofiicers and men and import into Germany warm clothing, boots, food, and comforts for the prisoners provided that the German Government acceded to the request of the American consul- general to do so. " British prisoners, and especially the officers, are kept on very short commons. There is a dearth of blankets and clothes amongst the prisoners. Many of them are in possession only of the clothes in which they were originally captured. •' The American diplomatic and consular authorities can exercise great pressure at Berlin towards persuading the German authoi-ities to give them a free hand, as they have only to use the American press in New York as a lever. " It might be possible to get the American consul-general in Berlin to pay a visit to England, so that the matter could be discussed between the Foreigu Office and the American Ambassador in London, in concert with Mr. Lay. " The American Express Company in Berlin have been acting as bankers, and remitting money in small sums to a few British officers who are not receiving more than a very small proportion of their pay from the Germans. This Express Company has been able to obtain receipts from the prisoners' camps for money remitted to the officers, and is willing to undertake a more extensive distribution in return for a certain amount of profit." Enclosure 4 in No. 44. Article on the State of British Prisoners of War at Doheritz. TLIERE are 9,000 very miserable men in the camp for prisoners of war at Doberitz. No doubt the conditions under which they live are forced by a military necessity. Nevertheless, they are very miserable men. " We would treat them better if we could," said the guard who escorted me. " But we cannot. We are doing the best we can." I am inclined to credit that statement. Certain things show for themselves. These men are sleeping — 200 to 500 to the tent — in horse tents which have been cast ofi" by the German cavalry. These tents are very old. Some of them have been patched and thatched with torn and discoloured b.fcs of canvas. The present camp is only a makeshift, intended to bridge over the time until the winter barracks shall be completed. By this time they may be housed in these permanent huts. Germany claims to hold 433,000 prisoners of war. The housing and feeding of so great a number must be a tremendous strain upon resources drained by the necessities of war. Nevertheless, these 9,000 men at Doberitz are very miserable men. The chief item in their bill of discontent is the monotony. They have nothing, absolutely nothing, to do. It is true they are vermin-ridden. They have no way of keeping themselves clean. Some of them are not warmly clothed. They could bear with all these things if only they had something to do. " They sing," said the guard. " They sing ' Tipperary.'" " One wouldn't think they would feel like singing," was the comment. " It is something to do," said he. The plain truth is that the treatment of prisoners of war by the fighting nations is an international scandal. England holds prisoners, and France holds prisoners, and Russia holds prisoners, and so does Germany. For some reason no exchange can be arranged. Humanitarian ideas are no part of the war programme. 35 One hoars of battles in which no quarter is granted. There are stories of one side or the other refusing an armistice to permit the other to gather its wounded. Each side is desperately determined to win, and neither is counting the cost. So men must rust in prison camps until the struggle is over No Chance to Bathe. We went into one of the long tents. A British soldier was sitting on his bed-roll carefully examining the interior of his trousers. His long white legs were bare. When he saw us he hastily covered himself up and blushed. Tliere are 9,000 men in the Doberitz camp, elbowing each other, sleeping two in a bed. Not one has had a bath since he was first brought to the camp, it isn't likely that one will have a bath while the war lasts. When winter dimes, and they move into the permanent wooden barracks which have been provided for them, conditions must grow w^orse. They will be huddled about stoves then, and in the lack of proper clothing will not keep in the open air. Even now — - " Don't touch auytliing," said the guard. " You'll get 'em on you." When a man can stand the torture no longer he is sent to the hospital. There he gets — not a bath — but a thorough daubing with a vermin-killing ointment. His clothes are disinfected. He is sent back to be reinhabited. Some of them do their best to keep clean. In the centre of the camp is a horse- trough, perhaps 50 feet long, into which water may be turned from a tap. It stands in the open air. Men who have money and can buy soap at the canteen wash their clothes in this trough. If they are particularly particular they strip themselves and take an ice-water bath. The fall and winter climate of northern Germany is very severe. We were shiverin'>- in our overcoats. But we saw half-a-dozen men naked to the waist, rubbing themselves down with water at the horse-trough. Ddberitz prison camp is an hour's ride by motor from Berlin. It is a bare, bleak expanse of sandy soil, surrounded by a barbed-wire trocha. At one end is a slight elevation on which several old field pieces have been moiuited behind a barbed-wire entanglement. The guards call it a fort. " But I don't believe there is any anmuit\ition for the guns," said the escort. " It is just what you call a bluff." The bluff was needed at the outset, for the men fought among themselve.s. The Germans have carefully scrambled the nationalities, so that Russiaiis and French and English are mingled in the tents. Early in the war the Allies didn't Hke each other. The men of each race thought the other two had not been doing their part in the war. So they fought it out along this line. When fighting became rioting, the guards came in and suppressed it. The fort was a great aid in restoring inter-racial peace. " Seems to me a great many of the Englishmen are very pale," I said to the guard. " Do they get enough to eat ?" He said they did, but that they didn't like it. The men receive a hunk of war bread, made of rye and potato flour, with a cup of tea in the morning and the same thing at night, with an occasional chunk of sausage added. The one hot meal of the day is at noon, when each gets a pannikin full of a soupy stew of cabbage and carrots and potatoes, or whatever other vegetable may be handy, pins some meat. " The Russians like that souj)," said the guard. " The Englishmen and Frenchmen do not. They are always complaining." I saw that stew in the rough. Perhaps I was influenced by my dislike for cabbage and carrots, but it seemed to me it was a mighty unappetising mess. I began to understand why so many of the Tonunies looked so pale. One Tommy stood near when the guard told of the stew. He said in an undertone : &^ " I 'ad a sow. And even she wouldn't eat skill}"." The men sleep in pairs in the tents or straw ticks. When we wei-e there it had been raining for days. The dirt floor of the tents was a mass of mud. The straw gave off a sour and musty odour. But the guards say that the animal heat uf so many men sleeping under a single canvas roof keeps them warm. Perhaps tliat is true. It is very certain that the atmosphere in the tents in which the inhabitants were largely Russian was abominable. The English and French lashed back the tent flaps and ventilated the sleeping places dining the day. It may be quite true that nothing better can l)e done for them under the circum- stances. Nevertheless these !i,000 are verv miserable men. [395] D 2 36 No. 45. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edioard Grey. — (Received December 26.) THE American Aml;)assador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Afi'airs, and lias the honour to enclose a copy of a telegram that has been received from the Department of State at Washington, transmitting an enquiry from the Imperial German Foreign Office. American Embassy, London, December 24, 1914. Enclosure in No. 45. Tcicgmm received by American Embassy, London, December 23, 1914. 22nd, from Berlin Embassy. Foreign Office reports receiving many comj)laints that money and packages sent German military and civilian prisoners in enemy countries from Germany do not reach addresses. Please secure information for Department to forward German Foreign Office whether monej^ and other postal matter will be delivered to such prisoners promptly and intact. — Bryan, Washington. No. 46. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — {licceivcd , December 29.) Sir, American Embassy, London, December 29, 1914. WITH reference to the note yoii were good enough to address me on the .3rd instant'^"' regarding the need of uniforms for British officers interned in Germany, I have the honour to acquaint you with the purport of a telegram I have just received from the Ambassador at Berlin in reply to the cormnunication I did not fail to make to him on the subject. Mr. Gerard telegraphs : " Officers need military overcoats badly." I have, &c. WALTER HINES PAGE. * See No. .33. No. 47. Statement issued by the Press Btireaii, London, December 29, 1914. THE United States Ambassador has communicated to the Foreign Office the following report by Mr. Chandler Hale, of the United States Embassy, on the Isle of Man detention camp and the recent riot there. Mr. Hale left for Douglas on the night of tho 23rd November, the date on which the riot in the Isle of Man detention camp was reported in the press, and made a careful enquiry into the cause of the riot and an inspection of the camp. He reports as follows : — - " 3,300 non-belligerent enemy aliens are interned at Douglas, consisting of 2,000 Germans and 1,300 Austriaus and Hungarians. The camp is now somewhat crowded, but the authorities wiU transfer 1,000 men to another camp at Peel, on the other side of the island, as soon as accommodations there are ready for them — probably in a few weeks. At j^resent 500 are housed in two large comfortable buildings, where each man has a bunk with mattress and three blankets. Other and similar huts are being erected for the rest of the prisoners who are now living in tents, each of which has a raised wooden flooring. The dietary is excellent. Breakfast, 1 pint porridge, Ij oz. syrup, 1 pint tea with sugar and milk, 8 oz. bread and |- oz. margarine. Supper, 1 pint tea with sugar and milk, ^ oz. margarine and 8 oz. bread. Dinner, 20 oz. potatoes, 4 oz. bread, a green vegetable every other day and meat in following rotation : Sunday, ^ lb. roast beef ; Monday, stew ; Tuesday, 6 to 8 oz. sausages ; Wednesday, scouce made of meat, potatoes, and vegetables ; Thursday, stew ; Friday, sausages ; Saturday, scouce. The men have their meals in a large glass-roofed, steam- heated, and electric lighted building where 1,600 can eat at a time. The latrines and 37 washing facilities are ample and very good, and are kept clean, there is hot and cold running water. As compared with liuhleben or any other camp that I have visited in either country, conditions are very good. The riot started, it is alleged, as the result oi' bad potatoes. The authorities admit that one shipment proved worm-eaten, and they were rejected after a few days. On the 18th November the men declared a hunger strike at dinner. The following day they ate their dinner without any complaint, and immediately after the witlidrawal of the guards from the rooms, the prisoners suddenly, and evidently by pre-arraugernent, started in to break up the tables, chairs, crockery, and everything they could lay their hands on. Upon the appearance of the guards, the rioters charged them armed with table legs and chairs. The guards fired one volley in the air, but it had no effect. Finally, and in self- protection, they fired a second round which resulted in the death of four Germans and one Austrian, and the wounding of nineteen others. I talked freely with the wounded and also with jnany others, and gathered that the prisoners were in the wrong and had only themselves to blame. One of the most intelligent men I talked with, a German, said that a considerable percentage af the men were a bad lot gathered in from the East of Loudon, with several agitators amongst them who preached discontent and insubordination which was reaUy the direct cause for the troul)le. 1 am satisfied this was so, as I saw the whole camp and every detail connected with it, and have nothing but commendation for its entire organisation and the kindly treatment accorded the prisoners by the Commandant and his subordinates." iNo. 48. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Ojjice, December 30, 1914. WITH reference to your note of the 24th instant* transmitting copy of a telegram from the German Foreign Oflice relative to the alleged non-delivery of money and parcels sent to German prisoners in enemy countries, I have the honour to state that the complaints cannot refer to German prisoners interned in the United Kingdom. These receive their correspondence as speedily as possible, and if in some cases delay occurs it is due to the many irregularities found by the censors, and to the inordinate length of letters. In this connection I have the honour to invite the attention of your Excellency to paragraphs 7, 8, and 9 of the memorandum enclosed in my note of the 14th instant.t from which it is clear that German prisoners in the United Kingdom receive very considerable privileges in the matter of correspondence, much greater, apparently, than those enjoyed by British prisoners interned in Gemiany. I have, &c. E. GREY. * See No. ib. t See Enclosure in No. 3C. No. 49. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edicard Grey. — {Received December 30.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretaiy of State for Foreign iyfairs, and has the honour to transmit, herewith enclosed, a copy of a letter he lia's received from the Embassy at Berlin, dated the 15th December, relative to postal communication between Germany and Groat Britain for prisoners of war. American Embassii, London, December 29,'l9I4. Enclosure in No. 49. Mr. Gerard to Mr. Page. Sir, American Embassy, Berlin, December 15, 1914. IN reply to your letter of the 24th ultimo, 1 have the honour to inform you that I am in receipt of a note from the Imperial Foreign Office, in which it is stated that [395] I> 3 38 postal communication with alien enemy civilians interned in Germany is permitted by tlie German Government, and that the regulations issued with regard to correspondence for prisoners of war are being a]5plied. This action was based upon the presumption of reciprocity. The Foreign Office has taken note of the fact that this reciprocity exists in so far as Great Britain is concerned, and it would like to know if the same is tlie case with regard to the British colonies. The Foreign Office states, witli reference to the British Foreign Office's note to you of the 2-3rd November,* that it is also of the opinion that this postal communication between Germany and Great Britain should be arranged through the agency of the Netherlands Government. I have, &c. JAMES W. GERARD. * See No. 28. No. .")(). Mr. Pagr, United Stales Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received January 1, 19 J 5.) American Embassy, London, Sir, December 30, 1914. I HAVE the honour to acquaint you with the purport of a telegram which I have jnst received from my Government to the following effect : — The Ambassador at Berlin has informed the Secretary of State that permission for Mr. Chandler Anderson to inspect detention camps during his recent visit to Germany was given by the German authorities on the xmderstanding that a representative from the Berlin Embassy shcmld he allowed to visit English camps where Germans are detained. Mr. Gerard now urges the desirability of a reciprocal investigation, and, in view of Mr. Anderson's A'isit to German camps and this expression of the German Government's desire, I am instructed to submit this request for the consideration of His Majesty's authorities. I have, &c. WALTER HINES PAGE. No. 51. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, January 5, 1915. WITH reference to your Excellency's note of the 19th ultimo* transmitting copy of a communication from the United States Ambassador at Berlin relative to the attitiide of the Prisoners of War Information Bui-eau attached to the Prussian Ministry of Avar in the matter of replying to personal enquiries, I have the honour to point out that the object of my note to your Excellency of the 21st November! last was to emphasise the fact that the British Prisoners of War Information Bureau was fulfilling its obligations under article 14 of the Annex to The Hague Convention No. IV of the ISth October, 1907, whereas the Prussian bureau was apparently neglecting those obligations. The action of the British Prisoners of War Information Bureau in this matter was dictated as much by consideration for the natural anxiety of the relatives of Gennan prisoners of war as by conventional obligations, and His Majesty's Government cannot admit that the Prussian Prisoners of War Information Bureau has fulfilled its obligations under The Hague Convention quoted above by referring enquirers to the Central Committee of the Red Cross at Berlin. I should add that, had the Prussian Prisoners of War Information Bureau acted up to its obligations under The Hague Convention in question, there Avould have been less necessity for the institution by different Departments of His Majesty's Government of special forms of enquiry in connection with missing or wounded prisoners. I should be grateful if your Excellency would be so good as to acquaint the United States Ambassador at Berlin with the contents of this note. I have, &c. E. GREY. • See No. 40. * gee No. 27. 39 No. 52. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Parje, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, January 7, 1915. WITH refereuce to the note which your Excellency was so good as to adflross to me on the 9th ultimo,* relative to the exemption from customs duty of parcels destined for British prisoners in Germ.my, I have the honour to inform your^ Excellency that duty is not levied on parcels for German prisoners inierned in the United Kingdorn. Information as to the treatment of parcels for Germans interned in India and in His Majesty's overseas dominions has been asked for, and a further note will be addressed to your Excellency in due course. I have, however, no reason to believe that such prisoners enjoy less favourable treatment in this respect than those interned in the United Iviugdora. In connection with this matter I have the honour to refer to my note of the 23rd Xovcmber last,t in which I requested your Excellency to be so good as to ascertain from the United States Ambassador at Berlin what treatment was accorded to British civilian prisoners in Germany as regards correspondence, money, and parcels, and more particularly the cliannel through which such postal matter might be sent, bince that date I have received your Excellency's note of the iCth Decembert stating that prisoners of war in Germany might receive parcels up to 5 kilos, in weight, but it was not therein expressly stated that the term prisoners of war referred also to interned civilians, nor was it mentioned how such parcels should be sent. As it is desirable in the interests of both prisoners and senders to have clear information on the points above mentioned, I should be much ol)liged if your Excellency would kindly bring the matter to the notice of the United States Ambassador at Beidin. I have, &c. E. GREY. • See No. 34. t See No. 28. J See No. 38. No. 53. Sir Edicard Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, January 9, 1915. I HAVE the honour to transmit to you herewith a list of questions relating to the treatment of officers and other ranks of His Majesty's forces now held as prisoners of war in Germany, to which I shall be much obliged if your Excellency will be so good as to endeavour to obtain answers through the kind offices of the United States Ambassador in Berlin. All the questions under heading (a) apply equally to the civilian prisoners interned in concentration camps, and I shall be grateful if replies applicable to their case could also be furnished, together with information (1) as to the scale of rations provided, (2) Avhat facilities are alforded to civilians for the purchase of wines or delicacies not included in the scale of rations, and (3) whether civilian prisoners are in any cases compelled or allowed to work, and in such case what remuneration is paid to them. I have, &c. E. GREY. Enclosure in No. 53. List of Questions relating to Treatment of Officers and other Banhs of Uis Majesty's Forces noio held as Prisoners of War in Gcrmajiy. (a.) AS regards officers and other ranks — 1. What arrangements are made for their housing and the warming and lighting of their quarters ? 2. What arrangements are made for supplying them with clothing, including underclothing, socks, boots, overcoats, &c., when required ? 3. What restrictions, if any, are placed on the writing and the receipt of letters, both as to the frequency and the length of the same ? 4. May they receive money, and, if so, to what amount ? [395] D 4 40 5. May they receive gifts from abroad ; if so, is any restriction placed on any " particular articles other than those which it is manifestly improper that a prisoner of war should receive ? 6. What arrangements are made for the performance of Divine Services of the various denominations ? 7. What attention do the wounded and sick receive in hospitals and places of internment, and are they treated in the same way as natives ? 8. What provision is made for those who are convalescent but still require treatment ? 9. Are there any arrangements whereby purchases of such articles as may reasonably be required can be made ? (6.) As regards officers only — 10 What is the amount of pay issued to the various ranks ? Are officers required to pay for their food or for anything else out of this pay, and, if so, liow much in each case ? Are wines and spirits allowed them ? (c.) As regards other ranks — 11. Are they employed in accordance with section 1, article 6, of The Hague Convention, 1907, and, if so, are they paid for their work ? What is the exact scale of rations issued ? (d.) As regards the medical services — 12. How are officers and men employed, and, if engaged in their technical duties, do they receive pay therefor, if so, on what scale ? Xo. 54. Sir G. Buchanan, His Majesty's Ambassador in Petrograd, to Sir Edward Grey. — (Beceived January 11, 19 J 5.) Sir, Petrograd, December 30, 1914. WITH reference to my despatch of the 9th instant,* I have the honour to report that a Russian medical officer, Surgeon-General Zviaxgintsef, who, like my previous informant, had been detained for some time at Danholm bei Stralsund, called on me on the 1 7th instant and gave me a description of what he had seen of the treatment by the Germans of prisoners of war confined at that place. Surgeon- General Zviargintsef fully confirmed what my infomiant had said as to the specially tmlavourable treatment accorded to the British officers ; but, as his state- ment on that point did not add anj'thing material to that made to me already, it is unnecessary that 1 should reproduce it. I think it right, however, to report what this gentleman said regarding the treatmejit of the rank and file. He stated, on the authority of a Belgian sergeant, who had himself first been treated as a common soldier, but afterwards as an o-fficer, that the men, among whom, as he understood, there were a certain number of English private soldiers, were subjected to a regime of extreme harshness. They were quartered in earthen huts which were undrained, unheated, and without light. Their food was less in quantity and of worse quality than that given to the officers, and they were compelled to work at draining the marshy country around the camp. Many were already suffering from rheumatism, and their general condition was deplorable. I have, &c. GEORGE W. BUCHANAN. • See No. 39. No. 55. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, January 11, 1915. I HAVE the honour to inform your Excellency that my attention, has been called to the fact that captains and officers of British merchant ships interned in Germany do not appear to be receiving the consideration due to their position, and that in some cases they have even been without such necessaries as meat, fij-e, butter, and sugar. I should be grateful if ycur Excellency would be so good as to bring the matter to the notice of the United States Ambassador at Berlin and request him to point out 41 to the German Government that captains uud officers of German merchant vessels interned in the United Kingdom receive special consideration in the matter of accommodation and I'ood. I have, &c. E. GREY. No. 56. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, January 1-3, 1915. 1 HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the note which your Excellency was so good as to address to me on the 30th ultimo* relative to the desire expressed by the German Government that a representative of the United States Embassy at Berbn should visit camps of detention in the United Kingdom in return for the ijermisbion granted to Mr. Chandler Anderson to visit similar camps in Germany. Mr. Chandler Anderson, before his journey to Berlin, visited certain representative detention camps in the United Kingdom in order to acquaint himself with the conditions prevailing in those camps and reported on them. I was, however, unaware of any arrangement under which representatives from the United States Embassies in London and Berlin should visit the detention camps in Germany and in the United Kingdom respectively for the satisfaction of the two Governments concerned. The reports on some of the detention camps in Germany which have reached me through your Excellency's kind intermediary were mainly drawn up by ]Mr. E. P. Gaston, who has no oflBcial capacity or status, whilst the United States consular officers at Berlin, Dresden, and Leipzig reported on the camps at Torgau, Konigstein,t Kouigsbruch,+ and ilerseburg. His Majesty's Government are quite willing, however, that the conditions prevailing in all camps of detention in this country should be as widely known as possible, and I shall be happy to arrange for the granting of facilities to visit any of these camps to the representative designated by your Excellency. I have, &c. E. GREY. • Soe No. 50. f Not printed, there being onl3- one British oflBccr. J Not printed, there being no British prisoners. No. 57. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, Y'our Excellency, Foreign Office, January 14, 1915. IN my note of the 26th ultimo* I had the honour to inform your Excellency that I was in communication with the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury regarding the suggestion made by ^h. Chandler Anderson, of which your Excellency so kindly informed me, that the United States Government shoidd, on receiving an application to that effect from His Majesty's Government, lend the services of a certain niunber of officials from the United States Quartermaster-General or Pay Departments, who wotdd act and be under the orders of the United States Embassj- in l>erlin, and would visit camps in Germany and siipervise the provision and distribution of money and necessities, in so far as their obligation in this respect is disregarded by the German Government, imd of minor comforts for British officers and men, prisoners of war and intei'ned civilians in Germany. I have now the honour to request, on behalf of His Majesty's Government, that the United States Government may be good enough to instruct the L'nited States Ambassador at Berlin to recommend this proposal to the acceptance of the German Government, and that upon its acceptance the United States Government will select and despatch the necessary officers to undertake the work. His Majesty's Government are ready to place at the disposal of the United States Ambassador for tlie purj)ose the necessary sums up to a maximum amount, calculated at the rate of IL per man per quarter of the prisoners of war and interned ci%'ilians now in Germany, or roughly 20,0U0L a quarter, from the time when the scheme can be entered upon. The question of the contintiance of the subvention at this or some lower figure would, of course, be subject to reconsideration later, if necessary. In the event of the scheme being approved, His Majesty's Government would, of course, apart from the amounts expended in relief, repay to the United States • See No. 44. 42 Government the cost of tlie salaries of the United States officials so employed, as well as the necessary expenses of the mission, and they suggest that the details upon this matter, as well as with regard to payments, accounting supplies, &c., could be advan- tageously settled when the officials in question arrive in this country. As your Excellency is aware, an arrangement already exists by which Mr. Lowry sees to the general welfare of German prisoners of war and interned civilians in this country, and has special facilities for the distribution of money, parcels, and gifts, &c., provided by the German Government or otherwise, to those prisoners in the various camps in which they are interned. This scheme, which is already in operation, is practically the equivalent of what is now j^roposed in Germany. If, however, the German Govern- ment would consider more satisfactory a similar arrangement on exactly similar lines in Great Britain to that which is proposed above for British prisoners and interned civilians in Germany, His Majesty's Government would readily give their consent. The United States Government will understand the anxiety of His Majesty's Government to have the scheme laid before the German Government and put into operation at the earliest possible moment, and I shall be grateful if your Excellency will kindly submit this note to your Government as soon as may be convenient. In conclusion, I beg leave to refer your Excellency to the request contained in my note of the 2(jth idtimo, that the United States Government should be willing to cause a sum of money to be expended at once on providing money, clothing, extra food, and other things which seem necessary to provide relief to the British prisoners and civilians, without waiting until the regidar machinerj' can be set i;p. I shall be glad to receive a reply to this request and, as I stated in that note, shall be pleased to hand your Excellency a draft for 20,000/. as soon as it has been agreed to. I have, &c. E. GREY. No. 58. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received January 15.) TPIE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Aii'airs, and has the honour to transmit herewith enclosed a copy of a letter he has received from the Embassy at Berlin, dated the 4th January, covering a communication from Mr. Henry C. A. Damm, American consul at Stettin, regarding his visit to the British prisoners of war at Altdamm. American Embassy, London, January 13, 1915. Enclosure 1 in No. 58. Mr. Gerard to Mr. Page. Sir, Berlin, Januarii 4, J 915. I HAVE the honour to enclose herewith a copy of a letter, dated the 3 1st ultimo, from Mr. Henry C. A. Damm, American consul at Stettin, with regard to a visit made by him to the British prisoners of war at Altdamm, for such action as may be found appropriate. I have, &c. JAMES W. GERARD. Enclosure 2 in No. 58. Mr. Damm to Mr. Gerard. Sir Stettin, December 31, 1914. I BEG to report that a few days ago I visited the camp for military prisoners at Altdamm, near Stettin, 6,000 prisoners were interned there at that time — (300 British, some Indian auxiliaries, 600 French, and the remainder Russians. The general arrangement and outhttiug of the camp is the same as that of the camp at Stargard, concerning which I reported a month ago. I was permitted to converse freely with the British soldiers and spoke to[a number of them. Upon the whole they had little to complain of, and agreed that the^ treatment 43 received was as good as could be expected. The following complaiuts were made, however : — Several prisoners stated that some of the men composing the guards (Landsturm) were at times unnecessarily rough. One British sergeant said that on one occasion lie was knocked down by one of the guards. The officers, on the other hand, treat the prisoners with consideration. Several prisoners said that the food was insufficient as to quantity. Complaint Avas made that the men had only one blanket each. Others complained that they had only one suit of underwear. Others mentioned that a bread bag should be given them in which to keep the loaf of bread which is issued them. All these complaints I sxibmitted to the officer who took me through the camp. He pointed out the difficulties in securing the things desired. Each prisoner is furnished with all the clothing he needs if he arrives unprovided, the one suit of underwear must be made to suffice until worn out. Arrangements exist for washing clothing properly, and this is insisted upon. A canteen is operated by the authorities where the prisoners can purchase tobacco, bread, margarine, tea, and soap. The profits are used in purchasing extra things for the prisoners, which are not provided by the central authorities, such, as combs. I was informed that the British prisoners are not as well provided with money as are those of the other nationalities. Prisoners are permitted to receive money, clothing, and eatables from home. The men seem to be in good physical condition. The large grounds give opportunity for exercise, of which the British take advantage, playing football and other games. It appears to me that eveiy effort is being made to treat the prisoners of war as humanely as possible in the two camps I visited. Dry and warm shelter is provided, the food is simple and perhaps monotonous, but of good material and well prepared, sanitary arrangements are good, and the health of the men is carefully looked after. The officers in charge of the camps were most courteous and offered me every opportunity for a thorough inspection. I have, &c. HENRY C. A. DAMil, Xo. 59. M7\ Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — (Tleceived January 15.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His .Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and has the honour to transmit herewith enclosed, a copy of a letter he has received from the Embassy at Berlin, dated the 11th January, relative to the treatment of British prisoners of war in Germany, in particidar as reported by ^Major C. B. Vandeleur, as set forth in the note Sir Edward Grey was so good as to address to Mr. Page on the 2t)th December. •••' American Emhassy, London. January 14, 1915. • See No. 44. Enclosure in No. 59. Mr. Gerard to Mr. Page. Sir, American Emhassy, Berlin, January II, 1015. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th ultimo, the Department of Stale, I have forwarded an original copy of this note, as sent by you, to the Lnperial I oreign Office without other comment than to say that " the Ih-itish Government feels that it has acted in a liberal spirit under the appropriate provisions of the Hague Convention relating to treatment of prisoners of war." Before 44 forwarding this copy all the names had been cut out of the note and of the accompanying reports except those of Major Vandeleur, Consul-General Lay, JVlr. Chandler Anderson, and myself. I have, &c. JAMES W. GERARD. No. 60. Mr. Pago, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Greij. — {Bcccived JaniKirij 10.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and has the honour to transmit herewith enclosed a copy of a letter he has received from the Embassy at Berlin, dated the llth January, relative to tlie attitude of the Prisoners of War Information Bureau attached to the Prussian Ministry of War in the matter of replying to personal enquiries, as referred to in Sir Edward Grey's notes of the 21st November* and the 5th danuary.| American Evihassi/, London, January 15, 1915. * See No. 27. t See No. 51. Enclosure in No. 60. Mr. Gerard to Mr. Page. Sir, American Embassy, Berlin, Janiiary'll, 1915. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th January, 1915, enclosing a note from His Majesty's Government, relative to the attitude of the Prisoners of War Information Bureau attached to the Prussian Ministry of War in the matter oi replying to personal enquiries. With regard to the first paragraph of the note, in which reference is made to Sir Edward Grey's note of the 21st November last, which was not transmitted when it was received for reasons stated in my letter of the 2nd December, I beg to inform you that both notes have now been transmitted to the Imperial Government with an explanation as to why the first note was not immediately transmitted. I have, &c. JAMES W. GERARD. No. 61. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Ofice, January 16, 1915. WITH reference to the note which your Excellency was so good as to address to me on the 29th ultimo,* transmitting copy of a letter from the United States Ambassador at Berlin relative to postal communication between the United Kingdom and Germany for prisoners of war, I have the honour to state that arrangements have been made by His Majesty's Postmaster-General for the transmission of correspondence and money orders for civilians detained in Germany imder the conditions applicable to the transmission of similar postal matter for military prisoners of war. Correspondence and remittances sent to and from civilians detained in the United Kingdom and in Germany will be transmitted through the same channel as correspondence for and from military prisoners of war, which is at j)resent sent through the intermediary of the Dutch Post Office. As regards the facilities for correspondence enjoyed by German prisoners in India and in His Majesty's oversea possessions, I shall, as was stated in my note of the 7th instant, have the honour to address a further commimication to your Excellency on this subject in due course. I have, &c. E. GREY. * See No. 49 45 No. 62. Memorandum communicated by Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, January IS, 1915. TJIJC Government of the United States is willing? to undertake the Avork for the relief of prisoners of war rcfpiested by Ilis iVIaj(;8ty's Government in Sir Edward Grey's note of the 14th January,*' and tcj instruct the Ambassador at Berlin to present the matter to the German Government and report iiimiediately. The Government of the United States makes the following suggestions, which might be considered as a plan for operation : — 1. A complete statement to be furnished by each of the belligerent Governments, for the information of the other, touching their policy with regard to the treatment of prisoners, giving complete details to show the conditions of their life during internment and the supplies furnished them ; this to be supplemented by copies of the instructions and orders which maybe issued from time to time to the commandants of the prisoners' camps. 2. The belligerent Governments should allow the American representatives in each country to have access to the prisoners, and to permit such prisoners to furnish written statements to their own (lOvermuent regarding tlieir treatment and conditions of life and their requirements. 3. The Govei'nment of the United States is to assume no responsibility whatever in undertaking this work beyond the transmission of the statements and the distribution of the supplies furnished as above indicated, under such restrictions and regulations as the Governments concerned may see fit to impose. American Embassy, London, January 18, 1915. * See No. 57. Enclosure in No. 62. Mr. Bryan to Mr. Page. (Telegraphic.) Washington, January 17, 1915. Sixteenth. This Government will undertake the work requested by the British Government, in accordance witli tlie plan outlined in the Department's telegram of yesterday, and Gerard has been instructed to present the matter to the German Government and report. — Bryan. No. 63. Mr. Achind, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foj'cign Affairs, to Mr. Page, United States Av}hassador in London. Dear Mr. Page, Foreign Office, January 19, 1915. I AM sending you an account which has been sent to us of the conditions prevailing at the Jvuhlebeu camp in the hope that you will be able to send it on to Mr. Gerard. The report, I think you will agree, speaks for itself, and Mr. Gerard may see fit to use it in coimection willi our note to you of the 2Ctth December.* Some improvement in the treatment of the British subjects there seems urgently necessary. I have, &c. F. D. ACL.\ND. • See No. 44,' 46 Enclosure 1 in No. 63. Mr. to Messrs. Dear Sirs, Malmo, December 29, 1914. I WROTE on the 7tli instant. A few days ago I received through a friend of mine a letter from the internment camp at Ruhlebeu, of which letter I am herewith giving you a translation : — " Dear Mr. , " When you are going home for Christmas will you please take the enclosure with you and give it to -? He should pass it on to my people as soon as possible, and I hope that they will publisli the contents. Otherwise I see no possibility of help for us all here. " Tell that I am still in tolerably good health, Ijut we are all faring very badly. " It is very fortunate for us that the weather is beautiful, otherwise I am afraid we would already long ago have had an epidemic here. "I hope that this letter will reach you. " With kind regards, &c." The report I have received I am enclosing here. When publishing the contents please take good care that no name is mentioned, as it would be of very serious consequences to the author as well as to the gentleman vrho brought the report hereto if the Germans got to know their identity. Indeed, I have been told that the Germans in all probability might shoot the author if they only knew his identity. The papers which you sent, and which I passed on to the American consul at Hamburg, have been forwarded to the Foreign Office at Berlin through the American Embassy at Berlin. T take this opportunity of wishing you a very happy and prosperous New Year. I am, &c. Enclosure 2 in No. 03. Mcmoranchiin respecting Conditions at RuMchen. AS reports have appeared in the German, and, no doubt, in the home press, giving rather glowing reports concerning the conditions of this camp, I shall try and give a true report of the actual facts so that our countrymen at home may know how their people over here are being treated. ttuhleben is a trotting course with a training establishment attached. The latter is used to house the prisoners. There are eleven stables each containing twenty- seven horses' boxes of 10 ft. 6 in. by 10 ft. in., and above them two large lofts. We are housed in the boxes and in the lofts, each box accommodating six prisoners. The floor is of concrete, and after we arrived we were supplied with a modei'ate amount of straw, which, strewn on the concrete, serves as one's bed. There is also a table and live chairs. The concrete is damp, and consequently the straw has become damp and clammy also. Recently we were supplied with sacks which were to be filled Avith straw and to serve as mattresses. For this we had to iise the old damp and partly- rotten straw. A long passage runs down the full length of each stable ; it contains two taps, which, together with one earthen wai'e dish, constitute all the washing accommodation for the approximately 300 to 400 men housed in each stable. We are roused at C, and have to get up at once ; light in the passage is turned on about G'30, Avhen there is a scramble for water, afterwards the whole stall is lined up and has to march a distance of 500 to GOO yards for coffee. Eacli man is supplied with a dish, which he takes with him, and in this he receives al)out a pint of what is called coffee, l)ut what is really only a concoction of chicory without either milk or sugar. After that the horse's bos has to be cleaned. Each stall has a non-commissioned officer and two private sohliers ia command. They treat the prisoners with great brutality, shouting at them, and even using personal violence. Between 11 and 12 o'clock the midday meal is served out in the same way and into the same dish as the coffee. Prisoners are marched 500 to GOO yards to one of the kitchens and there receive about 1 to l-o- pints of wliat is called soup — it is water, potatoes, vegetables, such as Swedish carrots or cabbages, sometimes peas or rice, and very little meat boiled with it. Men sometimes have not recpived a scrap of meat for a whole week. It is said that the 47 contractor who supplies the food boils the meat first for the soldiers and gives them the best of it, and the bones and leavings then go into the prisoners' soup. The ingredients used seem to be to a great extent condemned stores. The rice, for instance, was sweepings from warehouses and soiled by mice, and the barley also often has the same flavour. Still this concoction woidd be eatable if it were properly boiled, but the vegetables arc generally half raw and quite hard. About 2 in the afternoon prisoners have to line up and are marched round the race-course for about one hour, guarded by the soldiers with loaded ritles. There is great show of loaded rifles, the guards are continually loading and unloading them. About G there is lining up again for a basin of coffee or skilly. Besides this each prisoner received every second day a loaf of black bread made of rye flour, with an admixture of oO X'cr cent, of potatoes. There is a canteen, where at exorbitant prices such luxuries as sugar, white bread, condensed milk, butter, chocolate, cigars, &c., can be bought by those who can afford it. Those who cannot afford to buy these luxuries are in a very bad plight. They are not actually dying of starvation, but thej-^ can only just keep themselves alive and no more. About 8 at night we begin to go to " bed " as best we can, and at 9 there must be dead silence and the lights are turned out in the passage, only one small one is left burning. All this as related here does not sound so very terrible, but in practice for those who have to go through it it is " hell." The horses' boxes are damp, and a boot placed on the concrete for a few days v.-ill get quite a damp sole. Six men abreast in a space of about 10 ft. 6 in. means that they are packed like sardines in a box, and no one can move. They are supplied with only one poor blanket each, and those who have none of their own are in a sad plight. If one man in the line attempts to turn he disturbs all the others. Young men in the full viguor of life may be able to stand it, but for elderly men it simply means, if not immediate death, then certainly a shortened life and broken health for the rest of their days. The coughing which starts shortly after they have all turned in, and which is apparently caused less by colds than by foid air and the dust, is awful to hear. The sanitary arrangements are poor. The water-closets are all closed to the prisoners and reserved for the soldiers. The latrine, which is erected at one side (jf the square, is about 50 to GO yards distant from the various stables, and anyone obliged to use it in the night has to go there The poor quality of the food caused illnesses which makes this a special hardship. There are men so stiff with rheiuuatisra and other complaints that they have to be carried across to the latrines by their friends. There are no baths. There is a shower bath at the emigration barracks, some distance away from this camp, where the liussian emigrants were formally cleansed of vermin. To this the English prisoners are marched in batches. At these barracks there is also the " hospital " of the camp. There is practically no medical attendance for prisoners. There are two military doctors, one of whom seems to have been withilrawn, as rumours say, because he was too humane. The state of affairs is best illustrated by the following actual occurrence. One night a man was taken ill with gall stones, of course he could not get help in the night, but the first thing in the morning the non- commissioned officer was informed, who came and looked at him and sent for the hospital attendant. That attentlant turned up a few hours later, took the patient's temperature, found his piilse very weak, and said it was a case for the doctor, whom he would inform. The sick wailed all day, but no doctor came, although he could be seen walking about the square for hours smoking cigarettes. In the evening the hospital attendant came to ask if the doctor had been to see the patient and promised to send him at 8 o'clock, but no doctor came. Next morning, after thirty-six hours after the man was taken ill, he was informed that if he wanted to see the doctor he would have to dress and go and see him. This he eventually did. His friends dragged him to the consulting room, the doctor did not even examine him, he merely asked him what was the matter and what he wanted. When informed that the patient wanted morphium he told his attendant to give him one capsule, and that ended the matter. All the inmates of this camp are agreed that if anyone here should fall ill his days are numbered xmless he be a German Enghshuuin. As to the inhabitants of the camp there are about -1,000 to 5,000 of them spread over the eleven stables and two new wooden sheds which are being built and a small tea pavilion by the race-course. Of these about 1,100 are British seamen, and of the remaining 3,000 or 4,000 fully GO per cent, are " Britons " with German names, many of whom cannot even speak one word of English. For what reason they are here nobody seemed to understand. They are, however, gradually weeded out, a'nd of those who are being discharged on account of ill-heath almost all seem to have German names. For real Britons and Colonials there is no chance of getting away from here. There are men from all classes and practically of all ages. There are sailors over 48 70 years of age and civilians of 50 and more. There are several medical men among us who have been promised release, but the release never comes. We are allowed to write two postcards a week, not more ; they must be written in pencil and not too closely written, and they are strictly censored, so are all incoming letters and cards. We are therefore practically cut off from the outside world. We are not allowed to receive visitors. A few Germans have been visited by German officer friends who, of course, woiild approve of anything. Some of the stables are more comfortable than others, there is especially one in which they have bunks — -four — in each loose box. Some of the inmates have managed to get their box xip comfortablj^, much to the suprise of the inmates of other barracks, where all attempts at " luxury " were ruthlesslj'^ put down. The reason became apparent when a representative of the American Embassy visited the camp and was shown round. He was shown the comfortable stable, and the ten others, which were outwardly ji;st the same, were pointed out to him, so we can imagine what sort of report he made. If the Ambassador wants to find out the condition of this camp he should see it by himself without a conductor, and speak to the prisoners himself, to those whom he himself chooses to speak to, and alone, and not in the presence of an officer. We cannot communicate with him in writing, the outstanding feature of this camp is the fact that all our hardships are purposely and artificially made. We are intended to be harshly treated and we are getting it. If the canteen is allowed to .be opened for a couple of hours at a time we must line up and stand in line for more than one hour until we get our turn to buy our |- lb. of butter or our white loaf. If it were open all day this hardship would not exist. All the time we hear of the splendid treatment the Germans are having in the English camps. All Britons in Germany are rounded up here except those over 55 and under 17, and they are now bringing in those captured in Brussels and other parts of Belgium. Unless you at the other side retaliate there is no chance for lis here. We over here do not understand why this is not being done and we should be sacrificed. Internment Camp, Ruhlehen, December 1914. No. 64. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, January 20, 1915. WITH reference to the note which your Excellency was so good as to address to me on the 29th ultimo,* relative to the need of overcoats for British officers interned in Germany as prisoners of war, I have the honour to inform your Excellency that 400 overcoats were recently sent to Germany by the Army Councih It is believed that these overcoats may by now have reached their destination, and I should be grateful if your Excellency would be so good as to enqxiire by telegraph of the United States Ambassador at Berlin whether this is the case, and, if so, whether more overcoats are required, and how many. I have further the honour to state that the Army Council would be most grateful if military clothing sent to Germany for the use of British prisoners of war might be consigned to Mr. Gerard and received by him without duty being chargeable, and if his Excellency would be so good as to undertake the distribution of such clothing and make himself responsible for it. If his Excellency would be so good as to undertake sxich duties for the alleviation of the sufferings of British prisoners, arrangements would be made for the early despatch of such clothing and other articles as his Excellency may report to be required. I have, &c. E. GREY. * See No. 46. No. 65. Sir Edward Gh-ey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in Loyidon. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, January 20, 1915. I HAVE the honour to inform your Excellency that, according to reports which have reached me, there is reason to believe that British officers interned at Kavalier Scharnhorst, Magdeburg, are not being properly treated, and that there is a danger of both physical and mental deterioration as the result of the conditions prevailing. 49 I should, therefore, be grateful if your Excellency would be so good as to bring the matter to the notice of the United States Ambassador at Berlin, and request Mr. Gerard, if possible, to permit some person delegated by him to make an investiga- tion as to the truth of the reports referred to above. I have, &c. E. GREY. Ko. GO. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Ojjice, January 21, 1915. I HAVE the honour to call the attention of your Excellency to the second paragraph of my note of the 2n(l ultimo, ••■ relative to the omission of the German and Austro-Hungai-ian Governments to furnish information, which was originally asked for in my note of the 24th September last,! ^^ to their intentions regarding the treatment of officer prisoners of war in the matter of pay, &c., and to request that, as the Army Council are anxious to obtain early information on the matter, your Excellency will be so good as to enquire by telegraph of the United States Ambassadors at Berlin and Vienna whether there is any probability of a reply being obtained and, if so, by what date it may be expected. I have, &c. E. GREY. * See No. 32. t See No. 9, No. G7. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Eeceived January 27.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majest3"'s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and has the honour to transmit, herewith enclosed, a copy of a letter he has received fi'om the Embassj-- at Berlin, dated the 14th Janua^-, relative to individual enquiries concerning British civilians interned in Germany being answered by the German Red Cross, as set forth in the note rerbale transmitted to Sir Edward Grey on the 1st December.* American Embassy, London, January 2G, 1915. * See No. 31. Enclosure 1 in jS'o. G7. Mr. Gerard to Mr. Page. Sir, American Embassy, Berlin, January 14, 1915. I HAVE the honour to enclose herewith three copies of a note vcrbale from the Imperial Foreign Office, dated the 7th January, 1915, in which the Imperial Govern- ment state that the Zentralkomitee of the German Red Cross will be glad to answer individual enquiries concerning British civilians interned in Germany if they are assured of reciprocal treatment on the part of His Majesty's Government. With regard to the reference in the first paragraph of the note to a note of the 23rd November, I beg to refer you to my letter of the 24th November, in which a translation of this note was enclosed. I have, &c. .lA^IES W. GERARD. Enclosure 2 in No. 67. Note verbal e. THE Foreign Office has the honour to inform the United States Embassy, with reference to their note vcrbale of the 23rd November last, that the Prisonei-s" Section of the Central Committee of the Gemian Red Cross Association has undertaken also to give information respecting English civil prisoners interned in Germany. The [395] E 50 Imperial Government has agreed to this on condition of there being a similar institu- tion in England, which is ready to furnish information regarding German civil prisoners, and on condition that the competent British authorities assist the institution by providing it with lists of prisoners and other iuformation, as will be done in Germany by the German authorities. The Foreign Office asks that the foregoing may be communicated to the British Government, and it would be glad to receive information as soon as possible as to whether the Imperial Government may regard reciprocity as guaranteed, and as to what organisation will furnish information in England. A similar communication respecting French and Russian civil prisoners has been made to the Spanish Embassj'' for communication to the Governments concerned. Meanwhile, it is requested, with reference to the note from the Foreign Office of the 30th ultimo, that the American Embassy in Paris may be informed of the position. Berlin, January 7, 1915. No. 68. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, Januai-y 28, 1915. I LEARN on good authority that British prisonei-s of war in Germany in certain camps are not allowed to smoke, and that the ground on which the prohibition is based is that German prisoners of war in tliis countiy are not permitted either to receive or buy tobacco. I have the honour to reqiaest that yoiu- Excellency will inform the United States Ambassador at Berlin that this is not the case, and that German prisoners are allowed the use of tobacco. I should be grateful if Mr. Gerard, in bringing this matter to the notice of the German Government, would add that His Majesty's Government will be glad to receive an assurance that the above-mentioned prohibition has been withdrawn ; as otherwise (though they would take this course most imwillingly) they may l3e forced to reconsider the question of allowing the use of tobacco to German prisoners in England. I have, &c. E. GREY. No. 69. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received January 29.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and has the honour to transmit herewith enclosed a copy of a letter he has received from the Embassy at Berlin, dated the 23rd January, relative to relief of British civil prisoners at Ruhleben. American Embassy, London, January 28, 1915. Enclosure in No. 69. Mr. Gerard to Mr. Page. Sir, American Embassy, Berlin, January 23, 1915. I HAA'E the honour to inform you that at present there are a good many cases of destitution among the British civil prisoners at Ruhleben, and that these are increasing weekly. The authorities do not provide the men with margarine or sugar, both of which are necessary for their proper noitrishment. The destitute cases could be relieved at present at a cost of about 1,500 M. a week, and I should be glad to know if I am authorised to spend that amount. Many of the destitute are among the 1,600 bailors in the camp, aud it seems proper that the shipowners should furnish some funds for their support. The money would not be given the prisoners directlj^ but would be placed to their credit for the purchase of necessaries. I shall furnish you with a list of the ships and their owners at an early date. I have, &c. JAMES W. GERARD. 51 No. 70. Mr. I'age, United Slates Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received Januarij 29.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and has the honour to transmit herewith enclosed a copy of a letter lie lias received from the Embassy at Berlin, dated the 23rd January, enclosing a note from the German fiovernment referring to Sir Edward (i rev's esteemed note of the 5th instant.* American Embassy, London, January 28, 1915. • See No. 51. Enclosure 1 in No. 70. Mr. Gerard to Mr. Page. Sir, American Embassy, Berlin, January 23, 1915. IN reference to your communication of the 6th January, enclosing the copy of a note from Sir Edward Grey relative to the attitude of the Prisoners of ^^'ar Information Bureau attached to the Prussian Ministry of War in the matter of replying to personal enquiries, I have the honour to transmit herewith the reply of the Imperial Govern- ment as regards this subject. I have, &c. JAMES W. GERARD. Enclosure 2 in No. 70. Note communicated to United States Embassy in Berlin by German Government. (Translation.) THE Foreign Office has the honour to make the following reply to the United States Embassy's Jiote verbalc of tlie 11th instant: — A Central Enquiry Office has been established at the Royal Prussian Ministry of War, as the United States Embassy is aware, as the official information centre for Germany in accordance with article 14 of The Hague Regulations for Land \\ arfare. It has carried out its duties iu this capacity by regularly drawing up and despatching lists of prisoners. The additional task of answering individual enquiries respecting prisoners has been entrusted by the Central Enquiry Office to the Prisoners' Section of the Central Committee of the Gemian Red Cross Association, which, as regards this sphere of work, has been given a definitely official character. The Central Enquiry Office and the Prisoners' Section of the Central Committee of the (.lermau Red Cross Association therefore divide between them the duties which belligerent States are required to perform by the above-mentioned article of The Hague Regulations for Land Warfare. If the British Government should entertain any doubts as to whether it is admissible for the Red Cross to co-operate as an information centre respecting prisoners of war iu the sense of The Hague agreement, attention is to be drawn to the example of Russia and Japan, in both of which countries the duties of the information centre are exclusively performed liy Red Cross organisations. The (lerman Government therefore absolutely repudiates the reproach made by the British Government that the provisions of article l4 of The Hague Regulations for Land Warfare have not b(;en fully carried out by Germany. It is requested that the foregoing may be coninivtnicated to the British Government. Berlin, January 21, 1915. [395] E U 52 No. 71. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey.— {Received February 1.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and has the honour to quote the following telegram which he has just received from the Ambassador at Berlin : — "Clothing sent now in course of distribution. Stock on hand sufficient for officers. Will undertake distribution further shipments, but ask that complete lists be sent in each case indicating contents, which was not done ou last shipment." American Embassi/, London, Jannrmj 30, 1915. No. 72. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received February 1.) THE American Embassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and has the honour to transmit herewith enclosed a copy of a letter he has received from the embassy at Berlin dated the 27th January referring to Sir Edward Grey's note of the 21st instant* relative to the treatment of British officers in the matter of pay. American Embassy, London, January 30, 1015. * See No. C6. Enclosure in Xo: 72. Mr. Gerard to Mr. Page. Sir, American Embassy, Berlin, January 27, 1915. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram of the 22nd January regarding the second paragraph of the British Government's note of the 2nd December last concerning the matter of payment to officer prisoners of war in Germany, and, with regard to this telegram, beg to inform you that I have taken up the matter with the Imperial German Government, and as soon as I receive a reply will inform you by telegraph. 1 have, &c. JAMES W; GERARD. No. 7 9 Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, February 2, 1915. ON the 17th December last* I had tlie honour to address your Excellency in regard to the deficiencies in the lists of prisoners of war furnished from time to time by the German Government, and to request that the matter might be brought to their notice with a view to an improvement being effected. No reply has yet been received from the German Government, although nearly six weeks have elapsed since the subject was raised, and I have now the honour to state that as a result of an examination which has been made of all the prisoners of «var lists received up to the present, it is found that something less than half of the names included are either imj)ossible or difficult to identify. This high proportion of defective entries is chiefly due to the large number of defects which appear in two particular lists, viz. : the 9th and 14th, both of which contain a very large number of names. Later lists, however, show an appreciable improvement in this respect, and it is estimated that about four-fifths of the names contained in these later lists are identifiable. The regimental numbers of men are Btill omitted in a large number of cases, but where the names, initials, and regiments are clear, identification is possible. His Majesty's Government, however, see no reason * See No. 37. 53 why the numbers also should not be included, as their presence frequently helps to clear up doubtful cases, and enables an earlier notification to be made to the relatives. In laying these facts before your Excellency in the hope that the serious attention of the German Government may again b^ drawn to the matter, I would desire to point out tbat the greatest care is, and has from the commencement, been taken by the British authorities, on their side, to make the lists as complete as possible. I have, &c. E. GREY. No. 74. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Pcuje, United States Ambassador in London, Your Excellency, Foreign Office, February 3, 1915. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge receipt of the notes Avhich your Excellency was so good as to address to me on the 2fith* and 28tht ultimo, transmitting copies of letters from the United States Ambassador at Berlin, forwarding notes addressed to his Excellency by the Genuan Foreign OfHce, relative to individual enquiries respecting British prisoners of war and civilians interned in Germany. In the note of the German Foreign Office, dated the 7th January, it is stated that the Central Committee of the German Red Cross will answer enquiries relative to civilians if they are assured of reciprocal treatment in this respect on the part of His Majesty's Government. From this statement it would appear that the German authorities have failed to take note of the assurances on this point, given in my note to your Excellency of the 21st November last,:]: in which 1 had the honour to state that "the Prisoners of War Information Bureau, set up by His Majesty's Government, is doing what it can at present to answer all personal enquiries, including a lai'ge nimiber which are arriving daily from Germany, totalling over 2,000," and " that the bureau Avill continue to answer all personal enquiries about German prisoners of war in the United Kingdom " The British Prisoners of War Information Bureau has made no distinction between German military prisoners of war and civilians interned in the United Kingdom and in other parts of the Empire, and has not failed to give information as to, and to furnish regular lists of, both categories of prisoners. The Bureau will continue to pursue this course. In the note of the (lorman Foreign Office of the 21st January it is stated that the Prussian Prisoners of War Information Bureau draws up lists of prisoners of war, and that the Central Committee of the German Red Cross answers individual enquiries as to prisoners, and that this division of work is compatible with article 11 of The Hague Convention of the 18th October, 1907, and has in fact been adopted by the Russian and Japanese Governments. His Majesty's Government consider unnecessary a discussion as to the actual machinery which should be employed to give effect to the aforesaid article 1-4, and their object has, fi-om the ilrst, been to ensure that accurate lists of British prisoners of war and interned civilians in Germany, and reasonably early replies to individual enquiries respecting them, should be furnished by the Genuan Government. It seems clear, however, that a Prisoners of War Information Bureau, set up by a belligerent Government, is in a better position to furnish the information specified in article 14 of the annex to the International Convention concerning the Laws and Customs of War on Land, which was signed at The Hague on the ISth October, 1907, than the Red Cross Conuuittee can be A Prisoners of War Information Bureau, being an official Department of the Govermnent, has prompt access to all information regarding prisoners of war, and is, therefore, in a position to answer enquiries about such prisoners with the least possible delay. His Majesty's (lovernmeut have, moreover, been informed that enquiries concerning British prisoners of war in Germany addressed to the Central Committee of the Red Cross Society have often remained unanswered, and they have, as your Excellency is aware, been recently obliged to furnish, for transmission to the German Government, a list containing the names of 227 missing British officei's, concerning whom no information has been supplied by the German authorities. In this connection I cannot too strongly insist on tlie fact that one of the duties of the Prisoners of War Information Bureau, or failing it, presmnably of the organisation which takes its place, is " to receive fi-oni • See No. G7. t See No. 70. { See No. 27. [395] E 3 54 the various services concerned full information respecting internments and transfers, releases on parole, exchanges, escapes, admissions into hospital, deaths, as well as all other information necessary to enable it to make out and keep up to date an individual return for each prisoner of war. The bureau must state in this return the regimental number, name and surname, age, place of origin, rank, unit, wounds, date and place of capture, internment, wounding, and death, as well as any observations of a special character." Had the stipulations quoted above been carried out by the Germau Government in accordance with their conventional obligations, the relatives of the officers concerned would have been spared much needless distress and anxiety. I shall be gratefid if your Excellency will cause the foregoing to be brought to the notice of the German Government as soon as possible. I have, &c. E. GREY. No. 75. Memorandum communicated to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. HIS Majesty's Government have learnt with much satisfaction from Mr. Page's memorandum of the 18th ultimo,* that the United States Government have consented to undertake the work for the relief of prisoners of war, and that, as appears from the telegram of the IGth ultimo from the Secretary of State at Washington to Mr. Page, they have requested the United States Ambassador in Berlin to present the pi'oposals to the German Government. As regards the first of the three suggestions put forward by the United States Government in the above-mentioned memorandum, the Secretary of State for War has forwarded a statement, of which a copy is annexed, of certain details of the administration of the places of internment of prisoners of • war in this country, in amplification of the statement accompanying the Foreign Office note of the 14tli December,! a copy of which is also annexed for convenience of reference. As regards the second point, the Army Council will welcome the visits of American representatives to the jDlaces of detention of prisoners of war in this country, and afford every facility for access to the prisoners ; but they are unable to concur in the suggestion that prisoners shall be permitted to correspond directly with their Governments, the officials of the United States acting merely as a means of transmission for such correspondence. The Army Council will, however, gladly receive and give all consideration to any representations which the accredited representatives of the United States Government think it desirable to bring before them, as to the treatment, conditions of life, and requirements of the prisoners. His Majesty's Government concur, of course, in the suggestion that the United States Government is to assume no responsibilitj^ whatever in undertaking this work beyond the distribution of the supplies furnished, as above indicated, under such restrictions and regulations as the Governments concerned may see fit to impose. His Majesty's Government trust that the United States Ambassador will consider that the suggestions made by his Excellency's Government in connection with the scheme for the relief of prisoners of war have been met to an extent which will justify Mr. Page in at once taking charge of the preliminary sum of 20,000L for the relief of the British prisoners of war and interned civilians in Germany which Sir E. Grey mentioned in his letter of the 26th December. ij: Foreign Office, Fchruanj 3, 1915. * See No. 62. f See No. 36. + See No. 44. Enclosure in No. 75. Further statement of the conditions obtaining in places of internment of prisu7iers of war in the United Kingdom. 1. Internal Management. CONSIDERABIiE freedom is given to prisoners of war in each place of internment to arrange for their own comfort, general administration, and maintenance _^of discipline ; " captains' are elected by themselves, and it is to them that commandants look for general control, and through them that representations are received. The plan works well, and is appreciated by the prisoners. 2. Newspapers. Permission has recently been given which admits of English newspapers being obtained by prisoners of war. The regulations which bear on this subject are as follows : — (1.) The admission of any newspaper to a place of internment (not the particular copies of such paper) must be sanctioned by the commandant. (2 ) Newspapers of a sensational, socialistic, or inflammatorj' stamp, as well as those which are gratuitously offensive to our enemies are to be excluded. (3.) They are to be obtained through newsagents on orders by individuals of not less than a week's duration, and are to be distributed by the camp staff to those who have ordered them. They are not to be sold in camps, nor may separate copies, except of weekly newspapers, be bought. (4.) No newspaper may be sent or received by post. (5.) Should demonstrations of any kind occur in connection with the information given in newspapers, this concession may be withdrawn by anj' commandant, and the fact is to be reported to the War Office through the General Officer Commanding-in- chief of the command. (C] The General Officer Commanding-in-chief maj- prohibit the issue of newspapers at any time without giving any reason. S^ich action is to be reported to the War Office. No. 7G. Sii' Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, February 5, 1915. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the note which you were'so good as to address to me on the 28th ultimo,--'" transmitting copy of a letter from the United States Ambassador at Berlin, relative to the relief of British civilians^^at Ruhleben. I should be glad if your Excellency would kindly inform ^fr. Gerard that the expenditure of the relief funds for the purposes indicated by him would be quite in accordance with the intentions of His Majesty's Government. It would, however, be convenient that, when relief is given to seamen, the names of their ships and of the owners should, if possible, be indicated, and that, where the prisoners are likely to have any means, the visual promises to repay should be taken. I have, &c. E. GREY. • See No. 69. Ao. 1 1. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edicard Grey. — {Received February 8.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and has the honour to transmit herewith enclosed a copy of a letter he has received from the Emliassy at Berlin, dated the 29tlv January, relative to spiritual ministrations to British prisoners of war in Germany, as referred to in Sir Edward Grey's note of the 22nd October last." American Embassy, London, February G, 1915. • See No. 17. [395] E 4 56 Enclosure 1 in No. 77. Mr. Gerard to Mr. Page. Sir, American Embassy, Berlin, January 29, 1915. WITH regard to your letter of the 23rd October last, enclosing a note from Sir Edward Grey of the 22nd October, 1914, on the subject of spiritual ministrations to British prisoners of war in Germany, I have the honour to enclose herewith a copy of a note received from the Imperial Foreign Office on this subject. Tlie reference in the second paragraph to the note verbale of the 9th November last is to a rc^quest on the part of the Embassy for permission to be granted to the Rev. H. M. Williams, chaplain of the Church of St. George in Berlin, to visit the British prisoners in the camps at Doberitz and Ruhleben and to hold religious services at these places. This permission has long since been granted. The reference to the note verbale of the' 17th November, 1914, is to this Embassy's note written after your letter of the 14th November last, with an enclosure from Sir Edward Grey of the 13th November, 1914, had been received, stating that " Full facilities have been and are being given to ministers of religion to minister to the spiritual needs of German prisoners of war interned in the United Kingdom." I have, &c. JAMES W. GERARD. Enclosure 2 in No. 77. Note communicated to United States Embassy in Berlin by German Foreign Office. (Translation.) THE Foreign Office has the honour to communicate to the Embassy of the United States of America the following with regard to the note verbale of the 28th October of last year : — The military authorities have declared their readiness to allow to English clergy- men living in Germany the exercise of their spiritual ministrations to British prisoners of w^ar on condition that permission is actually granted to German clergymen still living in England to visit the German prisoners of war in their camps and to hold divine service for them. In view of the communications made by the United States Embassy in the notes of the 9th and Nth November of last year, the Foreign Office, in agreement with the military authorities, holds itself authorised to regard the condition of reciprocity as having been fuHilled. The British Government therefore may consider that the authorisation to carry out sj^iritual ministrations to the English prisoners of war will be granted to English clergymen living in Germany at their request, in so far as special considerations of a personal character do not militate against such a concession in any individual case. Berlin, January 27, 1915. No. 78. Sir Edward Grey to Sir 0. Spring-Rice, His Majesty's Ambassador in WasJmigton. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, February 8, 1915. FOLLOWING matter is urgent :— Under arrangements with the ^Var Office here, an official of the United States Embassy in London is in permanent touch with the conunandants of the various detention camps in this country, and, through them, with committees formed from amongst the German prisoners, whose wants he can thus attend to. Please ask the State Department if they would instruct United States Ambassador at Berlin to endeavour to set some scheme similar to the above in operation pending the establishment of the more comprehensive scheme for the provision of clothing and necessities to British prisoners of war wliich has been submitted to the German Government. 57 Xo. 79. Sir C. Spring-Rice, HisWajesty's Ambassador in Washington, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received February 10.) (Telesrnphic.) Washinglon, February 9, 1915. YOUR telegram of the 8th February.'-' State Deijartment informs me that German Government have matter under consideration, and have not refused consent, but Department promised to send- a telegram pressing for an answer. • See No. 78. No. 80. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, February 10, 1915. WITH reference to the note which your Excellency was so good as to address to me on the 2ilth December last,'- and to subsequent correspondence relative to the question of postal facilities for German prisoners of war, I have the honour to inform your Excellency that the same regulations as are in force in the United Kingdom are being applied in this matter in India and in the various British oversea dominions and colonies. I have, &c. E. GREY. • See No. 49. No. 81. Sir C. Spring-Rice, His Majesty's Ambassador in Washington, to Sir Edward Grey. — [Received February 12.) (Telegraphic.) Washington, Febi-uary 11, 1915. YOUR telegram of the 8th February. "•••■ Following from State Department : — On 16th January United States Government sent instructions to United States Ambassador at Berlin both regarding permanent and temporary arrangement. Since then United States Government have been constantly pressing for reply, but have not received answer. Last telegi'am was sent 9th Februar}-, in the sense of j-oiir telegram referred to above. Xo conmiunicatiou has been received from Germany since the United States Government sent their telegram of IGth January (see preceding paragraph^ which was greatly delayed in transmission. United States Ambassador did not reply till 1st February, when he criticised some of terras of the proposal. I urged on Assistant Secretary of State the importance of taking speedy action, and he agreed. If plan is put into operation State Department will find responsible officials. * See No. 7S. No. 82. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — [Received Febi'uai'y 13.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His ilajesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and has the honom- to transmit, herewith enclosed, a copy 58 of a letter he has received from the Embassy at Berlin, dated tlie 8th February, transmitting a note from the German Foreign Office relative to^the deaths of civilians in concentration camps. American Embassy, London, February 12, 1915. Enclosure 1 in No. 82. Mr. Gerard to Mr. Page. American Embassy, Berlin, Sir, February, 8, 1915. I HAVE the honour to enclose herewith a copy of a note which I have received from the Imperial Foreign Office relative to the deaths of civilians in concentration camps. I have, &c JAMES W. GERARD. Enclosure 2 in No. 82. Note verbale. (Translation.) THE Foreign Office has the honour to inform the United States Embassy that the German Government have had under consideration the question of allowing the transmission of information respecting the decease and the estate of British civil prisoners on condition of reciprocity on the part of the British Government. The Foreign Office ventures to ask the United States Embassy if they will be good enough to obtain for it a statement from the British Government as to their attitude towards this question. Berlin, January 31, 1915. No. 83. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received February 15.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and has the honour to transmit herewith enclosed a copy of a letter he has received from the Embassy at Berlin, dated the 4th February, relating to 400 overcoats sent to Germany by the Amiy Council, as referred to in Sir Edward Grey's note of the 20th ultimo.'-'' American Embassy, London, February 13, 1915. * See No. 64. Enclosure in No. 83. Mr. Gerard to Mr. Page. Sir, . American Embassy, Berlin, February 4, 1915. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 21st January, together with the enclosure from the British Foreign Office, concerning 400 overcoats ■ recently sent to Gennany by the Amiy Council. I would be much obliged if you would inform the Foreign Office that these overcoats, together with other articles shipped, making a total of 122 bales, have arrived at Berlin. 59 The following method for distribution has been instituted : — 1. Letters have been written to each of the " Gefangenenlager " in wliich British officers are interned enquiring as to the exact extent of the requirements for uniforms at tliat camp. 2. The Embassy has leased a large room in a warehouse for sorting purposes, and competent packers have been engaged. The bales will be opened in this rooin, and packages composed and sent to the various camps according to the lists received in each case. The supplies received to date seem to be sufficient for the present needs of the British officers interned in Germany. I shall further be pleased to undertake the distribution of all shipment.s of uniforms for privates wliich the Army Council may desire to have distributed to the camps in Gennany. I have, &c. JAMES W. GERARD. No. 84. ^fr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received February 16.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and has the honour to quote the following telegram he has just received from the Ambassador at Berlin regarding a desired shipment of clothing for British prisoners at Sennelager : — " Three prisoner camps at Sennelager require 1,000 uniforms, 1,-^00 greatcoats, 1,000 sets underwear, which should all be addressed and forwarded directly to Kommandatur, Sennelager. Statement giving contents of each package to this Eml)assy." Amerienii EmhaHHij, London, February 15, 1915. No. 85. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received February 20.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and has the honour to quote the following telegram, dated the Kith instant, regarding clothing desired for British prisoners of war in German}', wliich he has just received from the Ambassatlor at Berlin : — "Four hundred greatcoats required for British prisoners of war at Schiessplatz Wahn ; 1,250 greatcoats, 250 jackets, 300 pairs trousers required at Hamelu." American Embassy, London, February 19,' 1915. No. SG. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. SIR E. GREY presents his compliments to the United States Ambassador, and has the honour to state that information from an apparently reliable source just received tends to show that the conditions under which British prisoners of war are interned at Burg, near Magdeburg, are extremely unsatisfactory. It is reported that there are twenty-three British officers, including 60 living in one room — a garret under the roof. stated that lie could not possibly live much longer, and should be sent home as incapacitated and unfit for further fighting, as an old wound had broken out again and caused him constant suffering. The prisoners are stated to he given very little food and to be all herded together without light or warmth, their condition being such that they are apparently being gradually starved to death. Sir E. Grey would be most grateful if the foregoing could be brought to the knowledge of the United States Ambassador at Berlin without delay in order that his Excellency may take such action as may be possible with a view to securing an amelioration of the conditions prevailing at Burg. Foreign Office, February 20, 1915. No. 87. Sir Edward Grey to Sir 0. Spring-Rice, His Majesty's Ambassador in Washington. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, February 22, 1915. YOUR telegram of 11th February* : Scheme for relief of British prisoners in Germany. Have the German Government now answered ? It is over a mouth since the scheme was submitted to them. You should request that they may again be pressed for an early reply, as they have now had ample time to consider it. Accoimts received by us show that the internment conditions at Burg, for instance, are very bad. You should therefore also enquire what action the United States Embassy in Berlin are taking in the meantime in the matter of meeting the require- ments of British prisoners of war, &c. • See No. 81. No. 88. Sir Edivard Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, February 2.3, 1915. ON the 14th December,* and again on the 3rd instant,t 1 had the honour to forward to your Excellency statements giving full details of the conditions under which German prisoners of war and civilians are interned in this country. The information on the above subject contained in my note to your Excellency of the 14th December* last was in compliance with the request of the German Government as conveyed to me in your Excellency's note of the llkh November last,f whilst the supplementary statement was supplied in response to the request of the United States Government, as communicated in your Excellency's note of the 18th ultimo. II His Majesty's Government assume that the information contained in the supplementary statement has also been communicated to the Gei'man Government. As your Excellency is aware, 1 had already on the 2nd December§ last forwarded to you, for transmission to the German Government, a full report on the conditions in which German officers, prisoners of war, are interned in this country. On the yth ultimo^ I had the honour to forward to yovu- Excellency a series of questions respecting the treatment of British prisoners in Germany, and requested your Excellency to be so good as to endeavour to obtain answers through the kind offices of tli,e United States Ambassador in Berlin. No reply, however, has yet been received, and His Majesty's Government have only unofficial information and rumours on the subject to guide them, which they trust do not accurately represent the true facts. I shall, therefore, be much obliged if your Excellency will approach Mr. Gerard, and request him to endeavour to induce the Gei'man Government to supply the * See No. 36. f See No. 75. J See No. 2.5. § See No. 32. II See No. 62. II See No. 53. Gl desired statement without further delay, and to point out to them that His Majesty's Government have at all times been willing to afford every facility, so that the conditions prevailing in places of internment in this countrj' may be made known to the German Government. I have, &c. E. GREY. No. 89. Sir C. Spnng-Rice, His Majesty's Ambassador in Washington, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received February 24.) (Telegraphic.) Washington, February 23, 1915. YOUR telegram of the 22nd February." United States Anil)assador at Berlin reported to-day that he had presented la'rger scheme, both verbally and in writing, on 27th January and 9th February, but hitherto in vain. Assistant Secretary of State agreed to send another message to-<^lay, pointing out that Great Britain aflrordcd every facility for inspection of camps in Canada and England ; that Russia had now agreed to inspection of the European camps by United States Embassy ofhcials, and urging that if the German Government have objections to United States proposal they should make some counter-proposal of their own. With regard to expenditure of 2(),000L, United States Ambassador had reported that he could continue to use it for Ijcnefit of prisoners in the same way as funds hitherto expended. * See No. 87. No. 90. Sir Edward Grey to Sir C. Spring-Eicc, His Majesty's Ambassador in Washington. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, February 25, 1915. YOUR telegram of the 23rd Fel)ruary.'--- We cannot wait indefinitely for answer of German Government, and it is obvious that they do not intend to accept our larger scheme for the relief of our prisoners of war. Can United States Ambassador at Berlin be instructed to request permission for an official from United States Embassy in London to inspect, on behalf of His Majesty's Government, all the German camps in which British prisoners of war, civil and military, are interned ? This permission is asked for in return for the permission given to Mr. Jackson to visit the camps in this country. Such inspections as have hitherto been made of camps in Germany have not been at the reqxiest of His ^lajesty's Government, and you should point this out. Mr. Jackson has now been asked, if possible, to inspect two camps in Germany, but could not undertake more. The sum of 20,000/., to be expended for the benefit of our prisoners in Germany in connection with any scheme it may be possible to establish for the purpose, is being sent to United States Ambassad • See No. 89. No. 91. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, Febniary 25, 1915. IN the note which I had the honour to address to your Excellency on the 2Gth December* relative to tlie treatment of British prisoners of war in Germany, I had the lionoiir to state that, if the United States and Gernuin Governments would agree to a scheme by which the services of a certain number of officials from the Quarter- master-General's or Pay Departments at Washington would be utilised for the distribution of comforts, &.C., to such prisoners, J would immediately place at j-our Excellency's disposal for transmission to the United States Ambassador at Berlin a sum of 2u,000L to be used in connection with that scheme. • See No. 44. 62 The consent of the United States Government to the employment of their ofEcials in connection with the scheme referred to has been courteously given, but, although some considerable time has elapsed since the proposal was brought to the knowledge of the German Government, they have up to the present neither agreed to nor rejected it. His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington has reported that the United States Ambassador at Berlin can usefully employ the sum of 20,000L in extension of relief funds in his hands and, in view of the urgency of doing all that is possible for the relief of British prisoners of war in Germany, I have the honour to transmit herewith to your Excellency an order on His Majesty's Paymaster-General for the sum of 20,000L I shall be grateful if Mr. Gerard will employ this sum in connection with any scheme it may be found possible to put in operation for the purposes above mentioned. I have, &c. E. GREY. No. 92. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Fcceived Fehriiary 26.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and has the honour to quote the following telegi-am he has just received from the Ambassador at Berlin asking for additional clothing for British prisoners at Lemburg and Doberitz : — " British prisoners at Lemburg require 1,990 great-coats, 600 jackets, 700 pairs trousers ; poberitz, while in no alDSolute need, will appreciate great-coats, trousers, and some jackets to replace worn-out garments." American Embassy, London, February 25, 1915. No. 93. Mr. Page, United States AiJibassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received March 3.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and has the honour to transmit herewith: enclosed a copy of a letter he has received from the Embassy at Berlin, dated the 23rd February, referring to Sir Edward Grey's note of the 26th December last,* relative to the daily dietaries of the detention camps. American Embassy, London, March 2, 1915. * See No. 43. Enclosure 1 in No. 93. Mr. Gerard to Mr. Page. Sir, American Embassy, Berlin, February 23, 1915. REFERRING to your letter of the 29th December, 1914, enclosing a note from Sir E. Grey of the 26th December, 1914, relative to the daily dietaries of the camps at Knockaloe and Douglas, I have the honour to transmit herewith a copy of a note from the Imperial Foreign Office relative to the general treatment of British civilians at Ruhleben, to which is attached a list of the prices charged for food bought, as weU as a statement of the food which is supplied to the interned civilians of Ruhleben. I have, &c. JAMES W. GERARD. 63 Enclosure 2 in No. 93. ISlote verhale. IN reply to the note verhale from the P^mbassy of the United States of America, dated the 2nd ultimo, regardinf? the treatment of English eivilian prisoners in Germany, the (Imperial) Foreign OtHce has tlie honour to make the following statement. According to a report from the commandant of the camp, Englishmen at lluhleben are provided for as follows : — Morning : J litre of coffee. Midday : 1 litre of vegetables, Avilh — (1.) 100 gr. meat (weighed raw), or 70 gr. bacon, or CO gr. tinned meat. (2.) 1,200 gr. potatoes. (3.) 25 gr. beef suet with the necessaiy parts. Evening : 1 litre soup (excluding farinaceous soup), or Cocoa, or Tea, or 80 gr. sausage. Further : h kilog. bread daily. The food, which is prepared by experienced cooks, is examined daily by an officer ; the dietary is supervised by the camp doctor. Prisoners who are certified by the doctor to be suffering from stomach or intestinal diseases are permitted to cater for themselves at the casino within the camp. The prices at this casino are very moderate, and the food, of wdiich the officers and non-commissioned t)fficers in chaj'ge of the camp also partake, is good. This branch is also imder the daily control of an officer. Alcohol is forbidden tliroughout the camj). Milk (hot and cold), mineral waters, butter, margarine, fat, and other things eaten with bread, excepting luxuries, can be bought in the camp by the prisoners. The very moderate prices charged for these provisions are fixed by the commandant (" Kom- mando "). A price list is enclosed. The quality of goods is controlled. The annexed general bill of fare, which covers the first three weeks of January, is not perhaps as varied as one could wish for in normal times ; but it will certainly be admitted by every discriminating J3ritish inmate of the camp at Ruhleben that, in face of the attempts of his own Government to starve the German people, the biU of fare offered is above all criticism. The condition and state of health of the prisoners are consequently excellent. Furthermore, prisoners belonging to the well-to-do classes who have been set free have frequently, of their own accord, and without having been questioned on the subject, expressed, on their departure, their entire satisfaction with the treatment they had received. The assertion that the provision made for the men interned at Ruhlel)en is inadequate cannot, after all that has been here stated, be accepted as the truth. Business letters and letters proved to be urgent can be despatched at any time by the prisoners. As regards letters to his family and correspondence of a like nature, each prisoner may write two letters monthly and one postcard weekly. Visitors are only allowed if sanctioned by the militaiy authoi-ities at Berlin (" Kommandatur, Berlin "). This restriction has been found to be desirable, not only in the interest of those who control the camps, but also in those of the inmates themselves. In view of the above statements, it will not be possible to admit that the treatment of the British prisoners at Ruhleben gives any solid ground for complaint. The Imperial Government must defer forming an opinion as to the position of the German prisoners at the camps at Knockaloe and Douglas, which the British Govern- ment in its note of the 2Cth December, 1911, compares with the camp at Rulilebeu, until Mr. Jackson, who has been sent to England by the United States Embassy, has sent in his report. Berlin, February 16, 1915. 64 List of Prices. M. Seltzer 0- 10 Aerated water .. 0- 20 Malzbranse .. 0- 1.5 Coffee 10 Coffee 1 . . 0- 25 4 rolls (as prescribed by law) .. 10 1 buttered roll . • • 0- 10 1 bread , , .. 0- 50 1 bruised barley bread . . • • • 30 i lb. butter , , 50 i lb. lard . . , , 35 ^ lb. margarine , , . . • 1 30 ^ lb. black pudding or liver sausage . 25 ^ lb. fine liver sausage , , 40 ^ lb. " Jagd " sausage , , 40 ^ lb. saveloy . . 50 ^ lb. boiled ham , , 30 ^ lb. Tilsit cheese . . • • 30 ^ lb. Swiss cheese . . . . • •40 1 Cameiabert cheese , , 25 1 boiled egg • • . • • •15 1 couple of hot little sausages with bread •15 1 cup of broth • • . • * • • • 0-20 Fruit, at current prices. Herrings, at current prices. 1 glass of syrup • ■ . . 0'60 ^ lb. cough lozenges a . • • 0-25 Maggi squares — 1 square • • • • . • • • . . 0-05 5 squares • . • . . * . • • • 0-20 1 bread and sausage or cheese laudwicli . . • • , , 0-25 1 ham sandwich . . • • . . . . , , 0-30 1 roast meat sandwich . . . . . • . • « . 0-40 Milk (cold or hot) per litre • • • • . . .. •40 Bill of Fare. {January 1915.) Midday. 1. Wliito haricot beans witli mutton... 2. Turnips with pork 3. Macaroni (or other pastry) soup and beef 4. Boiled rice and mutton ... 5. Split pease with lard and pickled meat 6. Cabbage and beef 7. Pearl barley and mutton 8. Turnips and Pork 9. White haricot beans and mutton ... 10. Carrots, peas, and pork ... 11. Dumplings ("Nudeln") with beef 12. Cabbage and pork 13. Boiled rice and mvitton ... 14. Boiled potatoes and beef 15. Turnips and pork 16. Peas and barley with mutton 17. Peas, carrots, and pork ... 18. Boiled rice and mutton ... 19. Cabbage and pork 20. Barley soup and beef Evening. Cocoa. Tea and biscuits. Onion sausage. Tea and biscuits. Cocoa. Tea and sausage. Coffee and biscuits. Cocoa. Tea and biscuits. Onion sausage. Tea. Coffee. Tea and sausage. Cocoa. Tea. Coffee. Onion sausage. Tea. Tea and sausage. Coffee. No. 94. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. SIR E. GKEY presents his compliments to the United States Ambassador.fand with reference to his Excellencj^'s notes of the 13th, 15th, and 19th ultimo,* relative to * Nos. 83, 84, and 85. 65 clothing for Britisli prisoners of war in Germany, has the honour to state that arrangements for the despatch of this clothing are being made hy the War OfTice. Some douht has, however, arisen as to how the packages should be addressed. Until it was known that the United Slates Ambassador at Berlin desired that the clothing for Sennelager should be sent direct to the commandant of that camp, it had been intended to despatch all tlie packages to his Excellency, as in the case of the 122 bales mentioned in Mr. Gerard's letter of the 4th February. It is not, however, quite clear to whom the clothing for Uameln and for Schiessphitz Wahn should be consigned, and Sir E. Grey would be grateful if Mr. Page wouM kindly enquire by telegraph whether it would not be convenient to Air. Gerard to have the packages consigned to hira, and not to the commandants of the camps. Foreign Office, March 3, 1915. No. 95. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Receited March 4.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His ^lajesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and has the honour to transmit, herewith enclosed, a copy of a letter he has received from the Embassy at Berlin, dated the 23rd Februarj-, referring to Sir P]dward Grey's note of the 5th ultimo* concerning relief furnished to British subjects interned at Ruhleben. American Emhassi/, London, March 3, -J.!) 15. * See No. 76. Enclosure in No. U5. Mr. Gerard to Mr. Page. American Embassy, Berlin, My dear Colleague, February 23, 1915. IN reference to my letter of the 23rd January and to your reply of the 6th February, transmitting a note from the British Foreign OfKce concerning relief furnished to British subjects interned at Ruhleben, I would be greatly obliged if you would lay the following facts before the British Foreign Office : — Of the 4,273 men interned at this moment at Ruhleben, approximately 2,000 are in the greatest destitution. Although clothes have been furnished for all, these men, who have no means of obtaining monej^ from the outside, are unable to procure margarine, sugar, soap, &c., of which they stand in great need. I have, according to the reply of the British Foreign Office of the 5th February, caused the " captain " of the EngUiuderlager, Mr. J. Powell, to make a complete list of those men who have absolutely no way of procuring money. The result of this investigation has been that I have found that a far larger number of men than I expected are now, or will shortly he, completely without means. The smallest simi per week which could be satisfactorily given, and which would actually cause a great difference in the condition of these men, is 5 M., entailing a distril)uti()n of some 10,000 M. per week. The money thus distributed will be spent for such articles as sugar, margarine, sausage, jam, soap, and tobacco, which are to he bought at the canteen at the Engliinderlager. The management of this canteen has been taken out of the hands of a contractor, and is now to be run upon a co-operative ' basis by the men themselves at as nearly cost price as can be arranged. The matter of the actual distribution of funds will be organised as follows : — A comprehensive list of all the men who are in actual need of tliis assistance has been made, giving in addition the man's home address, and, when possible, the names of his employers at the time of the outbreak of war. The money necessary for the relief will be fetched weekly from this Embassy by Mr. Powell, who will at that time submit his vouchers for the sum provided the previous week. The relief itself wiU be given out upon Mondays by Mr. Powell and his assistants upon signature of duplicate receipt cards by the recipients. By these cards the recipient pnmiises "to repay the amount received to the Chancellor of the Exchequer of His Britannic Majesty's [395J F 66 Government wlien lie shall be in snch a position as to be able to do so," the home address in each case being given. As I considered that the increasing need of these men necessitated prompt action, I have to-day given to Mr. Powell 8,000 M. for distribution this vreek. 1 shall continue to furnish Mr. Powell with money to allow the men 4 M. per week until I hear whether my action in the matter is approved. I wish to add here that I feel that the matter of the internal organisation of the camp is efficiently and well run by Mr. Powell and the men under him. Much has been impossible to effect from the outside such as " first aid to the sick," creation of a camp benevolent fund, and much practical improvement of the quarters has been instituted by these men, and it is with their advice and co-operation that this plan of relief has been organised. I wonld be obliged if you would submit this statement to the Foreign Office with the request that I maj' be informed as to whether my action in this matter is endorsed. I am, &c. JAMES W. GERARD. No. U6. 6'??' Edivard Grey to Mr. Page, United States Amhassador in London. THE Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs presents his comi)liments to the United States Ambassadoi', and, with reference to his note of the 25th ultimo,* has the honour to inform his Excellency that, as over six weeks have elapsed since the scheme set forth in Sir Edward Grey's note of 14th January lasff for the relief of the British j)risoners of war was submitted to the German Government, it is evident that the latter do not intend to accept it, and His Majesty's Government cannot wait indefinitely for their answer. In these circumstances His Majesty's Government feel that the time has come to ask that the same permission as was given by His Majesty's Government to Mr. Jackson to visit the camps in this country should be given by the German Government for a similar inspection of camps in Germany, in which British prisoners of war, civil and military, are interned, to be undertaken, if Mr. Page sees no objection, by a representative of the United States Embassy in London on behalf of His Majesty's Government. A telegram to this effect has been addressed to His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington, who has been instructed to request the State Department to approach the German Government in the matter. Such inspections as have hitherto been made of German camj)s have not been at the request of His Majesty's Government. Mr. Jackson has been asked, if possible, to iuspect two camps in Germany, but he was not able to undertake more. Sir Edward Grey has such knowledge of Mr. Page's goodwill in this matter that he is confident that Mr. Page will assist in the furtherance of this proposal. Foreign Office, March 4, 1915. * See No. 91. f See No. 57. No. 97. Mr. Page, United States Amhassador in London, to Sir Edward Greij. — {Received Marcli, 5.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and has the honour to transmit, herewith enclosed, a copy of a letter he has received from the Embassy at Berlin, dated the 20th February, enclosing a copy of the minutes of a meeting of the camp committee held at Ruhleben on the 4th February last. American Embassy, London, March 4, 1915. 67 Enclosure 1 in No. 97. Mr. Gerard to Mr. Page. American Embassy, Berlin, Sir, Fehruarij 20, 10 15. I HAVE the honour to enclose herewith, as being of possible interest to His Majesty's Government, a copy of the minutes of a meeting of the camp committee held at Ruhlcben on the 4th February lust. I have, &c. JAMKS W. GEHARL). Enclosure 2 in No. 97. Report on tlie Meeting of the Camp Committee held on February 4, 191 u. (Translation.) THE following minutes of a meeting of the select committee of the camp committee and of the overseers, which w^as called by Baron von Taube on the 2nd February, were read by the secretary : — At 6"30 P.M. Baron von Taube received a select committee of the camp committee in the presence of the assembled overseers of the latter. Messrs. Powell, Fischer, Jones, Blakeley, Cocker, Overweg, Asher, Hallam, Russel, Aman, and Jones were present ; also Messrs. Delmer, Butcher, Stern, Sclioll, Mackenzie, Horn, Klingender, Butterworth, and Hatfield. Having greeted the assembled members, the Baron proceeded to say that he thought it would be best if only three or four delegates from the camp committee were to discuss matters directly with the overseers. He expressed his views and compared the management of the camp with the administration of a town of 10,000 inhabitants. Too many participants might only render the work of the overseers more arduous. He therefore suggested that at the meetings of the overseers, the select committee of the camp committee should consist of from three to four gentlemen with deciding votes. The suggestion was accepted. Thereupon the Baron informed the meeting that Messrs. Butcher, Klingender, and Stern had been proposed. In reply to this, Mr. Delmer, chairman of the camp committee, said that from among the eight men whose names had been submitted, three or four shoidd from time to time be chosen as delegates according to their special knowledge and the business to be transacted. After a short discussion it was agreed, iipon the proposal of Mr. Powell, that three oi" four gentlemen should, as delegates from the camp committee, take part in a general meeting of overseers to be held once a fortnight. At these meetings a strict account of the work of the overseers during the interval should be rendered. On the proposal of the chairman, Mr. Delmer, it was further agreed that delegates of the camp committee should have the right at all times to require the overseers to furnish explanations of any incidents affecting the interests of the camp. A motion of the chairman, which was also approved by the Baron, Avas to the effect that, in order to spare the overseers committee time and trouble, any incidents occurring in the camp should be thoroughly sifted and investigated by the camp committee, and then reported to the administration as soon as possible by a single competent deputj^ tlu-ough the overseers. The presiding overseer welcomed a further motion by the chairman, Mr. Delmer, which was as follows : In the interests of the necessary reciprocity, a delegate of the overseers should attend the meetings of the camp committee. Mr. Klingender drew attention to the two points contained in the camp committee's letter to Baron von Taube. The Baron said he agreed with the contents of the letter. At the conclusion the chairman (Mr. Delmer) remarked that the camp committee had been formed Avith a view to beneiicial co-operation with the overeeers, and for the advancement of the existing organisation, and that it intended loyally to carry out this principle, of which words the Baron graciously took note. The chairman (Mr. Delmer) then expressed his hearty thanks in the name of the assembled members of the camp committee to the Baron for his presence and for the consideration he had kindly given to the arrangement, whereupon the Baron said that he would be very pleased personally from time to time to take part in the meetings of the camp committee. Baron von Taube then closed the meeting. [395] F 2 68 The secretary announced that he had laid a copy of the minutes before the Baron, who had kindly accepted and signed it, and had with his own hand written on it the words, " Have taken note of the minutes and agree on all points." The chairman greeted Mr. Fischer, overseer of hut 3, who was present as delegate of the overseers. The meeting proceeded to discuss the following matters : — Latrines for Invalids. — At the last meeting the camp committee had requested a member to procure information on this matter. Mr. Fischer reported that the small latrine between huts 3 and 4 (which was formerly intended for women) should be used for this purpose. A door with a lock would be put in. Permits would probablj' be issued by the doctor or his representative. The overseers had for a long time striven to obtain permission for the sick to use the water closets, but these for the most part were not in the premises which were at the disposal of the military aTithorities, and therefore could not, even on paj^ment, be opened. He would again enquire if it were not possible to obtain a closed water closet for the sick. Postal Matters. — Questions concerning the postal regulations and the censoring of letters were brought up. A member expressed his intention of obtaining precise information and of reporting thereon. Oiithreak of Diarrhoea. — It was announced that 78 cases had occurred at hut 1. Mr. Fischer was asked whether the number of cases in each hut was known to the overseers. He replied that they had furnished a report on the previous day. It was siTggested that in such a case the overseers miglit with advantage seek the assistance of the delegates of the camp committee, and especially in the present case, as the overseers were much occupied with other work, and could not collect complete statistics. Bread. — The question of the quality of the bread was raised ; it was alleged that bread insufficiently baked and bread which consisted of remains insufficiently ground together was sometimes distributed. As 2,000 of the prisoners were penniless, the question was one of great importance. Mr. Fischer said that bread of inferior quality, if returned immediately, would be exchanged. Youths under 17 Years of Age. — It was alleged that not all the prisoners under 17 years of age had yet taken the necessary steps to obtain their release. The meeting, however, thought that it was the presence of young sailors, for whose release rejDeated application had been made, that had produced this impression. These sailors, however, were in quite a different j^osition from the civilian prisoners. Civilian prisoners under 17 were released. The overseers had the matter under consideration. Washing. — Mr. Whitwell had taken cast-off clothing from the rublnsh-box. He had had them washed, and found that they were still serviceable. In his opinion, the whole of the camp washing could be done by two machines costing about 60 M. each. Mr. Fischer observed that the overseers had given this matter their attention, but that great difficulties would arise if any proposals adverse to the concessions granted by the military authority to private concerns were to be made. The meeting was then adjourned. No. 98. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Eeceived March 9.) THE American Ambassador presents his comj)linients to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and, with reference to Sir Edward Grey's note of the 3rd instant* relative to the despatch of clothing for British prisoners of war in Germany, has the honour to quote the following telegram jiist received from the Ambassador at Berlin : — "If War Office sends clothing here it will be distributed, but time and expense would be saved by shipment direct to commandants of Kriegsgefangenenlager at places indicated. Embassy should be notified at time of quantities sent." American Embassy, London, March 9, 1915. * See x\o. 94. G9 Jio. 99. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. SIR E. GREY presents his compliments to the United States Ambassador, and, with refeieuce to his Excellency's note oi' the 12th ultimo* relative to the deaths of interned civilians, has the honour to state that tlie deaths of all German prisoners of war, civil or otherwise, are and have been rej^ilarly notilied to the German Government by the Prisoners of War Informatiou Bureau. The bureau will continue to follow this course. Such part of the estate of a deceased prisoner as comes into the hands of the Information Bureau {i.e., personal effects and money in the possession of the prisoner at his place of internment) is held by the bureau with a view to delivering the property to whomsoever is legally entitled to it. If so desired by the German Government, the bureau will be prepared to submit a schedide of such property for their information. Foreign Office, March 9, 1915. * See No. 82. No. 100. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received March 10.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and has the honour to transmit herewith enclosed a copy of a letter he has received from the Embassy at Berlin, dated the Gth ^larch, referring to Sir Edward Grey's note of the 17th December,* relative to the preparation of lists of prisoners of war. American Embassy, London, March 0,10] 5. • See No. 37. Enclosure 1 in No. 100. Mr. Gerard to Mr. Page. Sir, American Embassy, Berlin, March G, 1915. WITH reference to your letter of the 19th December, 1914, enclosing a copy of a note from Sir E. Grey of the 17th December, 1914, for transmission to the Imperial Government, I have the honour to forward herewith, for transmission to His Majesty's Government, a copy of a note verbale from the Imperial Foreign Office with a statement in regard to the subject of the preparation of the lists, as well as a translation which I have made for your reference. The enclosures submitted with Sir E. Grey's note above referred to are returned herewith, at the request of the German Government. I have, &c. JAMES W. GERARD. Enclosure 2 in No. 100. Note verbale. (Translation.) THE Imperial Foreign Office has the honour to transmit herewith to the American Embassy, in answer to its notes verbalcs of the 2Sth December of last year and the 9th February of this year, the enclosed remarks concerning the objections raised by the British Government against the German lists of prisoners of war. As regards the complaints contained in the British Foreign Office's note of the 17th December of last year, that parcel post for British prisoners of war in Germany had not reached its destination, attention is called by the military authorities to the fact that at the beginning, possibly in some isolated places, the debvery of such parcels has not been effected, or only with delay, such happenings imfortunately being 70 unavoidable in view of the enormous mail J,raffic for their own army and the great number of alien prisoners of war, that, however, after this postal traffic for the hostile prisoners of war has now been further regulated ; at the present moment similar cases are not likely to recur. The German Government, tlierefore, believes that it may consider the objections raised by the British Government in this direction as settled. The proofs of tlie English lists which were submitted with the above-mentioned note verhale of the 28th December of last year are enclosed herewith for the purpose of their return to the British Government. Berlin, March 4, 1915. Enclosure 3 in No. 100. Remarks concerning the complaints of the British Government regarding tlie manner in ■which lists of British prisoners of ivar in Germany are drawn up. (Translation.) THE German Government have, with satisfaction, taken note of the fact that the British Government have agreed to indicate in future the places of internment of each prisoner on the lists compiled by it of German prisoners of war interned in England. In this connection, the German Government will not fail to reject as entirely erroneous the assumption of the Foreign Office at London contained in its note of the 17th December that the refusal of the British Government to state the place of intern- ment of the German prisoners of war was the cause of the Belgian authorities being refused infonuation concerning Belgian prisoners of war in Germany. The lists of Belgian prisoners are sent to the German Government-General at Brussels and officially published by it there, so that sufficient care is exercised to make this information known to the Belgian people. On the part of the German Information Bureau, the greatest stress is laid upon the fact that the lists of alien prisoners of war interned in Germany are as perfect as this is possible, considering the circumstances. The German prison-camps and hospitals have, tlierefore, been instructed to make the statements in their lists with the greatest accuracy. Only quite recently a new order has been issued in which attention is called again to the necessity of giving the regimental number of each prisoner. As regards the submitted proofs of English lists, it appears to the German Central Information Bureau upon examination as certain that on drawing up the copies in England, in very many cases the repetition mark appearing below the number of a regiment, such as — Inf. 14 Inf. „ Inf. „ has not been paid attention to, and that consequently in such cases the English copies only show the word " Infantry," and not the respective number of the regiment, although the same was indicated by the repetition marks. The complaint of the British Government in regard to incomplete statements in the list-prints transmitted will, therefore, as a rule, have its origin in the overlooking of these repetition marks in the German lists, and the dubiousness complained of can be easily eliminated by again consulting these lists. With reference to the writing of British surnames, the camp conmianders are also instructed to pay special attention to the correct writing and to have the surnames written, wherever possible, by the English interpreter present at every camp, in accordance with each prisoner's own statement. In the lists the various details, viz., surname, christian name, rank, regiment, place of internment, are now written in cobunns, so that only the lines between each column are missing. The placing of such lines on the pages in order to separate the columns from each other, as well as the use of a form similar to the British form, would extraordinarily delay the typing of the lists, which would be entirely undesirable, as in humane interest it is endeavoured that the information reach the relatives as quickly as possible. The British procedure, which requires incomparably more time, may well be possible with the proj)ortionately small number of prisoners held in England, but is quite 71 impractical witli the large numher of prisoners in Gunaaiiy, which amounts thus far to more than 7U0,()(J0, and is augmented almost daily by several thousands. The assumption of the British Government that it is omitted on the part of Germany to send, at regular intervals, lists of fatalities of British prisoners of war, is erroneous. Thus far, the following lists of British fatalities have been sent : — No. 14 A on October 3, 1914. No. 25 A on October 17, 1914. No. 37 on October 24, 1914. No. 72 on November 14, 19M. No. 109 on December 5, 1914. No. 127 on r)eceml)er 12, 191-J. No. 158 on December 3U, 1914. No. 173 on January 9, 1915. Such fatality lists will be sent in future in the same way. Regarding tlie desire expressed by the British Government that information be given whether the lists thus far transmitted com])rise all cases up to a certain recent date, it is stated that the lists sent contain in each case all the reports which the Central Information Bureau has received since the despatch of the last preceding lists. The British (:iovcrument, upon receiving each list, therefore has the complete record of all British prisoners of war in Germany up to the date appearing on the last list. At the beginning of tlie war only the list covers were dated. For the last four weeks, however, each sheet carries the date when it is drawn up. Finally, with regard to the abbreviations in the lists of German prisoners of war, the Central Information Bureau calls attention to the fact that at the time of transmitting the first list of British prisoners of war in Germany, the same were accompanied by explanatory remarks regarding the abbreviations used, and that it therefore could be presumed on the part of Germany that these explanatory remarks would also be cousidted on the subsequent lists. In order to meet the wishes expressed by the British Government in the interest of the relatives of the British, held as prisoners of war in Germany, due care will be taken that in future each list of British prisoners of war is accompanied by an explanation of the abbreviations used. Berlin, March 4, 1015. No. 101. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — (Eeceived March 11.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretan- of State for Foreign All'airs, and has the honour to transmit, herewith enclosed, a copy of a letter he has received from the Embassy at Berlin, dated the 6th March, referrino- to Sir Edward Grey's note of the 3rd ultimo,' relative to the subject of the answering of individual enquiries concerning Britisli prisoners of war in Germany. American Embassy, London, Marcli 10, 1915. * See No. 74. Enclosure 1 in Xo. lUl. Mr. Gerard to Mr. Page. Americaii Embassy, Berlin, Sir, March 0, 1915. WITH j'eference to your letter of the 4th February, 1915, enclosing a note from Sir E. Grej- of the 3rd February, 1915, relative to the subject of the answering of individual enquiries concerning British prisoners of war in Germany, I have thehonoirr to forward herewith, for transmission to His Majesty's Government, a copy and translation of the reply of the Lnperial Government. I have, &c. JAMES W GERARD. 72 Enclosure 2 in No. 101. A^oie verhale. (Translation.) THE Imperial Foreign Office has the honour to inform the American Embassy of the following, in answer to its note verhale of the 9th February. In tbe note addressed by tlie Foreign Office at London to the American Ambassador, copy of which was transmitted with the note verhale above referred to, the British Government renew their charges already refuted in this Office's note verhale of the 21st January, 1915, to the effect that the regulations of article 14 of The Hague Rules of War on Land have not been conscientiously^ executed on the part of Germany. In answer to this, the German Government can onljr refer to the fact that since the beginning of the war all the details set forth in the above-mentioned article concerning subjects of hostile nations made prisoners of war have been compiled, and that the main contents of these compilations have at regular intervals been transmitted to the hostile Govern- ments in the form of lists of prisoners of war. Beside this, the Central Committee of the German organisations of the Red Cross at this city has been caused officially to give information concerning alien prisoners of war where single cases are concerned. The Red ('ross has fulfilled this task with the same conscientiousness dictated by mere humane consideration common to all, and has endeavoured to handle all enquiries. It is quite apparent, however, that unfortunately these enquiries can only lead to a positive result in the very fewest cases. As far as all those missing are concerned of whom, for a considerable time, no mention is made in the lists of prisoners of war, nor direct news is received by the relatives from a prison camp, it is quite obvious that, with rare exceptions, such military persons have not become German prisoners of war, but have met their death somewhere in the course of the various fights without it having been possible to secure marks of identification or other information. In cases, however, where military persons are missing for a short time only, it may be safely assumed that, if they have been made German prisoners of war, their names will at an early date ajDpear on one of the official German lists. In this case also it will only in rare cases be possible for the Red Cross to secure earlier information, as the extraordinarily high nmnber of prisoners of war in Germany is spread amongst a great number of prison camps and yqtj many hospitals, so that it is next to impossible to address to all of them special enquiries in each single case. Consequently, the Red Cross here — the same as is undoubtedly the case with the information bureaux in England and other hostile countries — will, for obvious reasons, be in a position to start investigations with the hope for success in such cases only in which special essential facts lead to a certain clue. As regards the lists of 227 missing British officers mentioned in the note of the Foreign Office at London, the Red Cross has taken steps to the end that an enquiry be started in all prison camps in which Englishmen are interned. In view of the circumstances above explained, it must appear doubtful whether or not this experiment will have any success. From the rank and file of the German anny also a considerable nmnber of officers and men have been missing for some time without any infonnation having been received thiis far from the hostile Governments concerning them. In due considera- tion of the state of things, however, the Gennan Government have, ujd to the present, refrained from making this the subject of complaints or grievances. In any case, tbe German Government, in view of the above-stated circumstances, most emp)hatically reject the charge brought forward by the British Government — that the regulations of article 14 of The Hague Rules of War on Land were insufficiently observed. The Imperial Foreign Office leaves it in the hands of the American Embassy to bring the contents of this note verhale to the attention of the British Government. 'e> Berlin, March 4, 1915. 73 No. 102. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received March 12.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretarj' of State for Foreign Affairs, and has the honour to quote the following telegram ho has just received from the Ambassador at Berlin : — "British prisoners, Gottingcn, require 185 jackets, 1,025 greatcoats, 390 pairs boots, o50 caps, 2.30 shirts, 390 drawers, 440 pairs socks." American Embassy, London, March 11, 1915. No. 103. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. SIR E. GREY presents his comi)liments to the LTnited States Ambassador, and, with reference to the note which his Excellency was so good as to address to him on the 6th ultimo"'^"' relative to spiritual administrations to British prisoners of war in Germany, has the honour to state that he has taken note of the declaration of the German Government that permission is granted to British clergymen resident in Germany to visit camps in which prisoners are confined. The number of such clergjanen now resident in Germany is, however, quite inadequate for the purpose of visiting all the camps containing British prisoners, and, as far as is known, the only camps at which regular services are held are those at Doberitz and Ruhleben, which are visited for the purpose by the Rev. H. M. Williams. British prisoners are thus at a great disadvantage as compared with German prisoners in the United Kingdom, whose camps are, as wall be seen from the enclosed statement, regularly visited by German pastors in the case of Lutherans, and by priests in the case of Roman Catholics. In view of these circumstances, the Archbishop of Canterbury is very anxious that further provision should be made for the spiritual needs of British prisoners, and is desirous, if the German Government grant the necessary permission, to send two chaplains to Germany, who would remain there and conduct services in the various camps in which British prisoners are interned. He would select for this mission the Rev. Dr. Macintosh, who was for many years British chaplain at Freiburg and Gotha, and the Rev. H. li. Hirst, lately British chaplain at Hanover. Sir E. Grey would therefore be grateful if the United States Ambassador at Berlin could be requested to approach the German Government in the matter, and endeavour to obtain the desired permission for the two clergymen named to proceed to Germany. Foreign Office, March 13, 1915. * See No. 77. Enclosure in No. 103. List of German Clergy and Laity ministering to the German Prisoners of War and Wounded in the Britisli Isles. THE Rev. Pastor A. Scholten, Vice-President of the German Young Men's Christian Association in London. „ ,, A. Maetzold. „ ,, C. Wardenberg. „ ,, 0. Goehliug. „ ,, A. E. Rosenkranz. „ ,, G. Abraham. Neitz. These are all clergy of the Lutheran State Church and German subjects, conducting their own services also for their own countrymen, as well as visiting prisoners of war. [395] G 74 The following geutlemen are also at work amongst the prisoners : — Mr. W. Hillier, Secretary of the German Young Men's Christian Association in London. Mr. John Keil, Secretary of the German Young Men's Christian Association in London. Mr. L. Zechnall, Hon. Treasurer of the German Yoiing Men's Christian Association in London. Germans of the Roman Catholic Church in camps and hospitals are regularly visited by their own clergy under the superintendence of the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster. No. 104. Sir Edward Grey to il/r. Page, United States Ambassador in London. SIR E. GREY presents his compliments to the United States Ambassador, and has the honour to inform his Excellency tliat a report received from an indirect source describes the conditions under which the British and Russian prisoners of war are interned at Ulm as being very bad. It is stated that the British prisoners receive very little food and are prematurely aged as the result of their treatment. He would be most grateful if the attention of the United States Ambassador at Berlin could be called to this report, with the request that his Excellency wnll cause the matter to be investigated, and, if the facts are as stated, take such action as may be possible with a view to bringing about an improvement in the treatment of these prisoners. Foreign Office, March 13, 1915. No. 105. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, March 16, 1915. WITH reference to my note of the 24th September last,* in which I had the honour to request that an enquiry might be addressed to the German and Austro- Hungarian Govermnents as to the mutual observance of the provisions of The Hague Convention of 1907 in so far as they deal with the issue of pay to officer prisoners of war, I have the honour to inform your Excellency that in view of the fact that no reply has yet been received from these Governments as to their intentions in this matter, His Majesty's Government have decided to remodel the basis on which pay is allowed to officer prisoners. As your Excellency is aware from my above-mentioned note, instructions were issued by the Army Council at the end of September last under which officer prisoners are given advances of pay not exceeding half full pay at the minimum rates of regimental pay for British officers of infantry rank corresponding to that of the prisoners. In addition, as the officer is not receiving the full pay, a free issue of rations has been made, or an allowance in lieu. Medical officers have been specially treated, receiving the fuU pay of their rank at Royal Army Medical Corps rates (without allowances), out of which they pay for their rations; the subordinate medical personnel have also received full pay. These arrangements were intended only to be provisional, pending an intimation from the German and Austro-Hungarian Governments that they were prepared to fultil their obligations under The Hague Convention (article 17 of the Annex). Information has now been received through the German branch of the Geneva Red Cross Society that the German Government have failed to carry out the temis of the article referred to, and that British officers who are prisoners of war in Germany are receiving, if subalterns, only 60 M. a month, and if of any higher rank, only 100 M. a month. From these amounts a substantial deduction amounting, it is believed, to two-thirds, is made on account of messing. In the light of this information, and as the provisions of The Hague Convention are not now the regulating factor. His Majesty's Government feel obliged to cancel the existing arrangements as to the paj' of enemy officers, and to substitute the following • See No. 9. C)^ 75 scale of payment to Oorniaii officers, prisoners of war, the same scale being made applicable to officer prisoners of other nationalities : — 1. Pay to be based on the minimum rates of British regimental pay laid down for lieutenants and captains of infantry ; all officers above the rank of captain to be paid as captains. 2. The pay issued to enemy officers to bear the same ratio to minimum British infantry rates for captains and lieutenants as the pay issued by the German Govern- ment to British officers prisoners of war in Germany bears to ordinary German minimum rates for captains and lieutenants. This would result approximately in a fixed rate of 4s. a day for subalterns and 4.s-. Ori. a day for captains and all oiliccrs of higher rank. 3. Officei's in receipt of these rates to defray the cost of their rations and messing. 4. The existing arrangements regarding the medical personnel not to be altered for the present. 5. No recovery to be made from the officers in respect of pay and rations issued previous to the date on which these arrangements are hnally approved. Should it eventually be established that either the German, Austro-Hungarian, or Turkish Governments are prepared to issue full pay to British officers, an improved treatment will be given to the ollicers of these Powers. I have, &c. E. GRRY. No. 106. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Eeceived March 18.) Sir, American Embas.^y, London, March. 17, 1915. I HAVE the honour to quote in full the following telegram from the Ambassador at Berlin which 1 have received from the Secretary of State at Washington :— "As a result of my conferences with German Government, they have now sent me a note which embodied result of our arrangement as follows : — " ' Principles for securing information concerning tbe condition of prisoners in belligerent countries : — " ' 1. The belligerents undertake to transmit to those countries whose subjects are lield by them as prisoners of war, whether combatant or non-combatant, a compilation of the provisions which they have adopted for the treatment of prisoners to include those relating to lodging, clothing, and food, as well as correspondence and the forwarding of money and presents in kind. In case any special supplementary regulations have been issued in single detention camps, such regulations shall be made known to the diplomatic or consuhir representatives wlio have charge of the protection of the prisoners when they inspect such camps. "'2. General permission to inspect the detention camps shall be given to the chiefs of the diplomatic missions who have charge of the protection of tbe- prisoners, as well as to the diplomatic or consular officers of their country who may be designated by them. They shall announce visits to the commanders of the camp to hear their wishes and complaints. The conversations shall not, ho.vever, embrace other subjects than such wishes and complaints, except with the express permission of commander of the camp. Before leaving a camp, the diplomatic or consular representative wiU notify the commander of any wishes and complaints, and will not submit them to the superior authorities of the rommander unless the c-ommnnder declares himself unable or unwilling to consider the wishes or to remedy conditions forming the subject of complaint' "In the covering note the Foreign Office states that, contingent on reciprocal action on the part of the enemy Powers, the German Government accepts the proposals of the American Government relative to securing information concerning the condition of prisoners in the foim agreed upon as aliove, and hopes you can secure asser.t to these proposals of the Government of the Powers with which Germany is at war "With regard to the fund of 20,00(1/. made available by the British (rovemment for British combatant and non-combatant prisoners. Foreign Office states there are no [395] G 2 76 objections to its distribution, but it cannot be used in any event for purchase of tobacco, chocolate, bread, or cake from German and Austrian supplies. However, no objection is interposed to sending simple foodstuffs, sweets, &c., to prisoners from home ; but prisoners will not be allowed bread in excess of allotment, which is same as that of German troops quartered among civilians ; allotted rations being adequate for Germans, they are adequate for prisoners also, who cannot be permitted to live better than population of captor." I have, &c. WALTER HINES PAGE. No. 107. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received March 18.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and has the honour to transmit herewith enclosed a copy of a letter he has received from the Embassy at Berlin, dated the 11th March, relative to the clothing of pi-isoners of war from stocks held by the Embassy at that city. American Embassy, London, March 17, 1915. Enclosure 1 in No. 107. Mr. Gerard to Mr. Page. Sir, American Embassy, Berlin, March 11, 1915. REFERRIN^G to the request of the British Government that the British prisoners of war be furnished with clothing and underwear by this Embassy, from stocks placed at its disposal for the purpose, I have the honour to enclose a list showing the articles furnished to the various camps as well as a second list showing those articles which the Embassy was unable to supply from these stocks, and the despatch of which it therefore requested in its telegrams to your Embassy. To recapitulate the work done in this connection, I beg to state that the following camps have been fully provided for, in accordance with their wishes : — Celle. Crefeld. Erfurt. Giistrow. G iitersloh. Halle. Hann. Miinden. Ingolstadt. Magdebiu-g. Mainz. Merseburg. Munsterlager. Niederzwehren. Osnabriick. Schneidemuhl. Werl. Wiirzburg. Zossen. To the following camps, shipments covering part of their wants were made, whereas a request for the balance of articles desired was telegraphed to London : — Gardelegen. Gottingen. Hameln. Soltau. Wahn. The quantities required by the following camps were too large to be filled from stocks, and a request for their despatch was also telegraphed to London ; this refers to the camps — Altdamm. Limburg. Sennelager. Pending the arrival of these consignments, each of these camps was supplied with an amount of underwear. 77 According to advices received, the men at Doberitz are in no absolute need of clothing, but, nonetheless, a quantity of greatcoats and uniforms would be appreciated, which information was likewise transmitted by telegraph. From stocks here, this camp was furnished with a supply of boots and underclothing. The camps at- Altengrabow, Burg, Friedberg, Giessen, Heidelberg, Konigstein, Munster, Niirnberg, Parchim, have replied that no articles were needed. A small consignment of civilians' clothing and underwear was sent to Ruhleben. I have, &c. JA^ES W. GERARD. Enclosure 2 in No. 107. List of Articles required hj British Prisoners of War, for the despatch of which a telegraphic request was sent to the American Embassy at London. Telegram to London. Camps of Internment. Articles Wanted. 1 Date. No. Altdamm Uuiforms 200 Feb. 19 . . 403 Sets of uiiderweai 400 Doberitz Greatcoats r No ■ Trousers i. numbiT >„ 22.. 417 Jackets [ given J Gardelegen . . Greatcoats 200 ., 19 .. 403 Gottiiigen Jackets Greatcoats Boots (pairs) Caps . . Shirts . . Drawers (pairs) . Socks (pairs; 185 . . 1,025 390 350 230 390 440 -Mar. 9 .. 431 Hameln Greatcoats .. 1.250 Feb. IG .. 404 Jackets 250 Trousers (pairs) . . 300 Limburg Greatcoats .. 1.990 „ 22 .. 417 Jackets GOO Trousers (pairs) . TOO Sennelager Uniforms .. 1,000 „ 13.. 396 Greatcoats . . 1,500 Sets of underwea r .. 1,000 Soltau Greatcoats 450 „ 19 .. 408 Wahn 1) 400 „ 16 ..1 404 [395] G 78 Enclosure 3 In No.ClOZ. List of Articles furnished by tlie American Embassy, Berlin, to British Prisoners of War from Stocks placed at its Disposal. Camps. C3 O O 3 o rf to o • ^ o ^ cq 02 OS u Q o o 01 o 5 ft Altdainm Celle .. Ciefeld Doberitz Erfurt . . Gardelegen Gottmg'en Giistrow Gutersloli Halle .. Hameln Haiin. Miiuden Ingolstadt Liiuburg" Maf^deburg Mainz . . Merseburg Munsterlager Niederzwehren Osnabriick Ruhleben SchneidenUllil Sennelager Soltau . . Wahii .. Weil .. Wurzburg Zossen . . Total 10 49 12 99 30 11 2 12 "ie 108 17 18 "5 11 60 36 8 9 12 10 1 100 5 108 24 "1 14 3 Pairs. 149 57 41 183 "5 21 12 8 "c ioo 10 108 20 37 .5 13 14 Pairs. '14 102 90 136 7 10 6 1 1 1.5 9 405 400 794 400 54 6 600 84 100 233 24 8 7 100 21 12 400 10 15 200 20 108 7 50 50 300 300 6 15 30 i Pairs. '24 5 90 100 163 156 8 5 294 6 12 2 5 195 20 108 7 50 300 4 15 30 2,760 1,599 50 110 21 50 32 30 3 80 60 25 50 100 12 "2 12 5 Pairs. "30 10 300 47 44 151 50 20 20 '"2 9 '20 10 '22 108 4 50 50 "24 450 4 15 28 100 2 53 18 100 3 100 12 642 1,468 388 Pairs. 12 20 50 50 24 10 392 297 3 2 6 6 1 12 4 400 No. 108. Mr. Page, United Stales Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received March 18.) THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and has the honour to transmit herewith enclosed a copy of a letter he has received from the Embassy at Berlin, dated the 12th March, transmitting a note verbale from the German Government relating to the principles observed in the housing, feeding, &c., of combatant prisoners of war in Germany. American Embassy, London, March n, 1915. Enclosure 1 in No. 108. Mr. Gerard to Mr. Page. Sir, American Embassy, Berlin, March 12, 1915. I HAVE the honour to transmit to you herewith a translation of a note verbale from the Imperial Foreign Office with a statement from the German Government, and a translation which I have made for your reference, relating to the principles observed in the housing, feeding, &c., of combatant prisoners of war in Germany. I received this communication in reply to a note of mine of the 7th November, 1914, based on a telegram from the Department of State of the 5th November, stating that the Department " will be glad to submit any proposals that the German 79 G-overnment may care to make to other belligerents looking to an arrangement as to what should be given to prisoners of war in the nattire of food and clothing." Cbpies of the enclosures, which I am forwarding herewith, are being sent to the Department of State, as the German Government desire their contents brought to the notice of Governments of England, France, Russia, and Japan, but I am sending you additional copies direct in order that several weeks' time may be saved. j.oi i I have, &c. JAMES W. GERARD. Enclosure 2 in No. 108. Note verbale. (Translation.) THE Imperial P"'oreigu Office has the honour to transmit herewith to the American Embassy, in answer to its note of the 7th November, 1914, six copies of a statement concerning the principles observed in the housing, feeding, and clothing, as well as the postal traffic, of officers and men held prisoners of war in Germany. On the part of the German Army Council, it would only be welcomed if the German prisoners were treated in the hostile countries according to the same principles. The Imperial Foreign Office begs to request the Embassy to act as intermediary, so that the Governments of England, France, Russia, and Japan be informed of the principles in question. On this occasion attention shoidd he called energetically that the German prisoners are quartered in localities the climate of which is not detrimental to their health, and that only such a class of work is required of them as they are able to execute without physical injury to their health. Berlin, Fehriiarij 28, 1915. Enclosure 3 in No. 108. (Translation.) Statement concerning the Principles observed in the Housing, Feeding, and Clothing, as well as the Postal Traffic, of Officers and Men held Prisoners of War in Germany. For Officers. Housing. IN general, the place of internment must be a healthy place, absolutely unob- jectionable from a hygienic point of view, with at least 15 cubic metres breathing space per man, which can be aired, admits full daylight, and can be heated and lighted daily ; as few officers as possible lodged in one room ; separate rooms for older officers. Heat, light, and equipment is furnished by the respective commanders, and is not at the expense of the interned. The following eqnipment is reqnired for each officer : — Bedstead, with mattress, bolster, bed linen, and two blankets ; chair, or stool ; an appliance for hanging up the clothing, and a place for storing the eatables (where possible, closets, cabinets, or chests of drawers) ; wash bowl, water glass, towel, table (a place at the table for each), pail. For attending the interned officers, men of the same nationality, also prisoners of war, are to be quartered in the officers' camp (approximately, one man for live to ten officers). This staff of orderlies has to attend to the cleaning of the clothes, living rooms, courtyards, and halls, to the heating and table service, &c. Food and Clothing. As the respective officers themselves have to pay for their food and clothing out of the pay accorded to them by the hostile country, it must be demanded that they receive on each day a sufficient and nutritious fare, the menu of which is to be as varied as possible, and this at a moderate price, in order that means for their small daily wants, such as laundiy, &c., still remain at their disposal. Shower-baths are given free of charge. [395] G 4 80 At the present time the moderate partaking of beer and light table wines is also permitted to officers. In the canteens the officers can purchase plain foodstuffs, excepting cigars, tobacco, and chocolate. They may, however, let these eatables and table luxuries without exception be sent them in parcels, and the same must not be withheld from them for their use. Books and periodicals are permitted under censorship. 'N on-Commissioned Officers and Men. HoiLsing. General requirements the same as with officers, only in most cases larger rooms are used in which a greater number of prisoners are quartered. The minimum breathing space for each man is 5 cubic metres. Sleeping accommodations consist of cloth sacks (palliasses), which are filled up with straw or wood shavings ; for each prisoner two woollen blankets, towel, eating utensils. For each quarter the necessary tables, sitting places, linen, and drinking cups, appliances for the hanging up of clothing, wall shelves upon which to place eatables and small articles. In each prison camp installation for bath and washhouse for the cleaning of the laundry. Sufficient lighting of the camps ; electric light if possible. Food. To the prisoners of war sufficient plain food shall be given which in its quantity and composition is adapted to such class of work as may be required of the prisoners of war. Wherever possible consideration shall be paid to the habits of living. The prisoners of war receive the same quantity of bread as the Germaii troops lodged in civilian quarters. Three meals a day are served out : — In the morning : Coffee, tea, or soup. At noon : A plentiful fare consisting of meat and vegetables. The meat may be replaced by a correspondingly larger portion of fish. At night : a substantial and plentiful meal. Under any circumstances the daily fare must be sufficient for the proper nourish- ment. The commanders who are responsible for the fulfilment of these instructions consequently are authorised to increase the amount of meat or vegetables according to requirements ; they are thereby placed in a position to better adapt the fare to the habits of living of the various nations. Continuous and careful supervision of the food under co-operation of medical officers is absolutely necessary ; attention must be paid also to the fact that the fare does not become monotonous, but is varied as much as possible. In the canteens the men may purchase plain foodstuffs, articles for the care of the body, linenware, &c., at fixed low jirices. Concerning the contents of parcels from home, the same applies as stated in the case of officers, so, for instance, the handing out of tobacco for use. Clothing. In the beginning, non-commissioned officers and men who are prisoners of war remain in the uniform which they have brought with them. If the state of the thin clothing need replacing, the prisoners will at first be provided with proper articles of clothing from the booty of war. When the latter is used up, new suitable clothes are purchased. The kind of clothing is dependent upon the season, the climate and the weather. The clothing generally consists of a suit, necktie and cap, besides shirts, socks, warm underwear and good shoes are given, as well as overcoats and woollen blankets to protect against the cold. Male civilian prisoners of war will be fitted out in the same way as military prisoners of war after their present clothing can no longer be used. The worn-out clothing of female prisoners is replaced by suitable customary garb. 81 Postal Trajjlc. According to new regulations now uniformly in force throughout Germany, the prisoners may write a letter twice monthly, and besides, postal cards once weekly. Officers may write letters of six pages, raen of four pages, if special circumstances exist, such as the adjustment of family matters and urgent affairs of a business nature, exceptions may be allowed. No. 101). Statement respecting conditions nt EuJdchen communicated to Home Office hy tico released civilians on March 18, 191 5. Mr. JOHN P. BRADSHAW, of Ballymoney, co. Antrim, and Mr. William David Coyne, of Ballyhaunis, co. Mayo, both British subjects, arrived in England on the 15th March, having just been released from detention at Ruhleben on account of their unfitness for military service. The following statement has been made by them to the Home Office : — They were examined by the camp doctor, and released as unfit for military service. A fortnight ago all who considered themselves unfit were invited to send their names in with a statement of the grounds of unfitness. A week later all wei-e asked to state where they would go if released from Ruhleben, but few of the real British subjects are anxious to be released now unless they can leave Germany because of the bitterness against England.* Since the 7th March a very important change has taken place in the food supplied to the prisoners ; thanks to investigations by Rittmeister von I^Iuller, the caterer has been dispensed with. It is believed in the camp that the United States authorities prompted these investigations. The German authorities provide the bread which is of better quality than formerly. The allowance is over half a pound per man per day, i.e., more than the civil population is allowed, but it is believed that a regulation has been made, though not yet brought into force, to reduce the bread allowance to correspond Avith that allowed to persons outside the camp. Bread is no longer purchasable at the canteen. The Government allows 60 pfennige (just over Id.) per head for the rest of the food. The canteen committee buys 100 grammes of meat (gristle, bone, &c., included) per maQ per day. Pork is much used, then comes mutton and, more rarely, beef. The meat is cooked in the soup and each man is given a piece about the size of a cutlet with his soup at midday. The spare j^iieces are divided amongst the men from the last barracks to be served ; the baiTacks take it in tiirns to be last. On one daj^ a week dinner consists of a piece of sausage, and rice and prunes. A piece of saiisage is now served with the evening tea or coffee. This sausage is bought out of the savings under the new system. The rest of the savings on the catering and the profit on the sales at the canteen go towards providing clothes, &c., for the poorest men in tlie camp. The meat is inspected by two of the prisoners, one a veterinary surgeon and the other a butcher ; it is cooked by ships' cooks who are interned, and served by men chosen from among the prisoners. Tlie food is said to be well-cooked and the meals quite appetising, at any rate when compared with the previous regime. The two men named above received all parcels sent to them. Formerly parcels took about four weeks to reach the camp from England, but now they arrive in ten to twelve days. The officials are scrupulously honest as regards monej'^ owned by or sent to the prisoners, except that they pay out in paper or silver, whereas they took in gold. Money is paid out to those prisoners who have an account at the rate of '20 M. per fortnight, but au extra 20 M. can be obtained for the purchase of boots, clothes, &c., if shown to be necessary. The correspondence regulations are now that one postcard with nine lines of writing may be sent each week, and two letters, each of four pages of notepaper may be sent per month. In addition, business letters may be sent to any reasonable extent. * There are ii large number of men interned at Ruhleben who are technically British subjects bv reason of their having been born in British territory of uatunilised British subjects, but who h.ive spent practically all their lives in Germany. 82 A dramatic society has been started, and recently gave its first performance, Shaw's " Androcles and the Lion." Admission was free, but seats cost from 20 to 40pfennige, not according to the position of the seat, but according to the means of the purchaser. Baron von Taube and Graf von Schweriu make a point of being present at all entertainments organised by the prisoners, and make a short speech of thanks at the end. Since the trouble over the food has been settled, the relations between the officials and the prisoners have greatly improved. A month ago all British colonial subjects were rearrested and interned. No. 110. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. SIR E. GREY presents his compliments to the United States Ambassador, and, with reference to his Excellency's note of the 1 1 th instant,* and to previous corre- spondence relative to the provision of clothing for British prisoners of war, has the honour to state that arrangements have been made with the American Express Company to deliver consignments of such clothing direct to the commandants of the various camps. A list is enclosedt showing the uniforms and clothing which are being handed over to the company for each camp, and the demands on which the clothing is being sent. Each package will be addressed to the Kommandatur of the camp for which it is intended, and will be marked " For British Prisoners of War." The nature of the contents and number of articles will also be clearly marked on each package. Sir E. Grey would be grateful if the foregoing coidd be notified to the United States Ambassador at Berlin, and if an expression of the thanks of the Army Council and of their high appreciation of his Excellency's kindness in offering to distribute the clothing sent for the prisoners of war in the various camps could also be conveyed to Mr. Gerard. Foreign Office, March 19, 1915. ♦ See No. 102. j Not printed No. 111. iS?V Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. Dear Mr. Page, Foreign Office, March 19, 1915. WE have received information from a prominent official of the British Red Cross Society from which it is evident that our prisoners of war in Germany are being kept very short of food — if not starved. This information tallies with what we have heard from other sources, and I fear that there is little doubt that it is true. Moreover, conditions are likely to become worse rather than better, and we feel the vital necessity of doing all that is in our power to help our prisoners in Germany. I should be grateful if you could see your way to sending a member of your Embassy to Berlin at once with a view to enquiring into the real conditions prevailing in the German detention camps, and of putting into operation some system by which the inadequate rations now served out to the British prisoners of war may be supplemented out of the funds in the hands of Mr. Gerard. If I may make a suggestion, it would be that Mr. Lowry should be asked to undertake this mission. He is well acquainted with the conditions of internment in our detention camps, and he has for some time been working a scheme under which he keeps in permanent toTich with the German prisoners of war in this country through the commandants of, and prisoners' committees in, the various camps, and he attends to their necessities. Mr. Lowry is, therefore, especially qualified to arrange for the inauguration of some similar system for the benefit of the British prisoners of war in German hands. I feel sure that you will appreciate the urgency of the matter, and that I can rely on your co-operation to do all that is possible towards improving the position of our prisoners — a matter which is causing great anxiety in this country. I have, &c. E. GREY, r 83 No. 112. Mr. Patje, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received March 20.) Sir, American Embassy, Tendon, March 19, 1015. WITH reference to my note of the 17th instant,*^' rehiting to the treatment of prisoners of war and to the memorandum on the same subject, which I handed to you on the 18th January last,t I have the honour to transmit herewith enclosed, for your consideration, copies of an exchange of telegrams between this Embassy and the Secretary of State at Washington relating to a point touched upon in the first sentence of the paragraph numbered 2 of the German communication which I incorporated in my note of the 17th instant. I was in some doubt as to whether the sentence in question was to be understood as giving me permission to send a nominee of my own to inspect the detention campa in Germany where British prisoners are confined, and I therefore despatched a telegram of enquiry to the Secretary of State, who has replied by the telegram of which the transcription is annexed. Its last paragraph, as you will observe, enquires whether His Majesty's Government desire that a member of this Embassy be sent to Germany to inspect the camps, in view of the facilities for such inspection which Mr. Gerard states have been afforded him. For convenience of reference, 1 venture to add that the telegrams referred to as " Department's, 13th," and " Department's, 15th Januaiy," are those communicated to you in my note of the 17th instant and my memorandum of the 18th Januarj' respectively. i have, &c. WALTER HINES PAGE. * See No. 106. t See No. 62. Enclosure 1 in No. 112. Mr. Page to Mr. Bryan, March 17, 1915. (Telegraphic. ) I AM in doubt whether your telegram of 13th March gives me permission to nominate a member of this Embassy to go to Germany and examine prisons as Jackson from Berlin examined them here. The British Government is very anxious to have such an examination made. Please instruct me whether I may nominate a member of this Embassy for your approval and the approval of the German Government — provided the British Government agrees to the conditions embodied in your telegram, about which I have no doubt. — American Ambassador, London. Enclosure 2 in No. 112. Mr. Bryan to Mr. Page. — {Received March 19, 1915.) (Telegraphic.) 18th. Your 17th. When British Government requested officials from American Embassy, London, visit all British prisoners' camps in Germany in return for Jackson's visit to German prisoners' camps in Great Britain, they did not expect Germany to accept the larger plan which has now been agreed to by Germany, siibject to certain conditions reported in Department's 13th. These conditions, regarded by Department as coming within provisions of sub-division three of general plan, submitted Department's 15th January, which contemplated imposition of restrictions and regulations by Govermnents concerned. In British Government's acceptance, reportetl in your 5th February, they made similar restrictions that correspondence of prisoners with their Governments must remain subject to control of British Government. Department understands that both Governments have now agreed to general plan, and arrangements to undertake the work promptly are being made. Gerard telegraphs that meanwhile ten diplomatic and consular representatives named by him are permitted inspect camps. In these circumstances, do British Government want additional inspection made by member of American Embassy, London ? If necessarj-, some member your staff can be transferred Berlin for this work — Bryan, Washington. 84 No. 113. Sir Edioard Grey to Mr. Page, United States Amiassador in London. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, March 20, 1915. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's note of the 17th. instant, ■•■■ forwarding the text of a telegram from Mr. Gerard, received through the Secretary of State at Washington with regard to the " principles for securing informa- tion concerning the condition of prisoners in belligerent countries." It wiU, perhaps, be conveuieut if the points raised are dealt with, in the order followed in the above-mentioned telegram. 1. In my notes to your Excellency of the 2nd December, the 14th December, and the 3rd February,! I had the honour to forward to your Excellency full information regarding the treatment accorded to German prisoners of war and interned civilians in the United Kingdom. This information covered the question of housing, rations, sanitary conditions, occupation, clothing, money, correspondence, washing, officers' pay, and general treatment. His Majesty's Government consider, therefore, that the German Government have, for some time, l^een in a position to satisfy themselves that German prisoners of war and interned civilians in the United Kingdom are being treated in a most humane way. His Majestj^'s Government are quite prepared to communicate to your Excellency any special supplementary regulations which, may be issued in single detention camps. 2. His Majesty's Government are gratified to learn that the German Government are prepared, on condition of reciprocity, to grant the chiefs of the diplomatic missions who have charge of the pi'otection of the prisoners, as well as the diplomatic or consular officers of their corintry — in this case United State officials — general permission to inspect the detention camjDS. It is assumed that the above statement, read in con- junction with the words " the German Government accepts the proposals of the American Government relative," &c., in the covering note from the German Foreign Office, means that the general permission to inspect the camps will include the United States officials referred to in my note to your Excellency of the 26tli December last,$ who will presumably be attached to the United States Embassy at Berlin, seeing that it would probably be difficult for the regular members of Mr. Gerard's diplomatic or consular staff to keep in close and continiious touch with the British prisoners of war in the various detention camps. I have the honour to remind your Excellency that in my note of the 14th January last§ I expressly stated that His Majesty's Government would readily give their consent to an arrangement for the benefit of the German prisoners of war and interned civilians in the United Kingdom on exactly similar lines to that proposed for British prisoners of war, &c., in Germany, as detailed in mynote of the 26th December.^ I jjointed out, in this connection, that an arrangement already exists by which an official of your Excellency's Embassy sees to the general welfare of German prisoners of war and interned civilians in this country, and is given special facilities for this purpose. Your Excellency will therefore perceive that the German Government are already assured of reciprocity in the above connection. His Majesty's Government take note of the remarks made in the final paragraph of your note under reply in connection with the question of the supply of foodstuffs to British combatant and non-combatant prisoners. It is assumed that tobacco, biscuits, sweets, &c., may be sent from the United Kingdom to Germany for the use of the British prisoners, and in view of the fact that meat is, according to the accounts which have reached this country, only supplied in very limited quantities. His Majesty's Government trust that it may be possible for the United States officials charged with the general welfare of British prisoners in Germany from time to time to purchase meat locally, in order to siipplement the rations issued to those prisoners. I should be grateful if your Excellency would acquaint the United States Ambassador at Berlin by telegraph with the substance of the foregoing. I have, &c. E. GREY. • See No. 108. t See Nos. 32, 36, and 75. I See No. 44. § See No. 67. 85 No. 114. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. P'irjr, United States Ambassador in London. THE Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs presents bis compliments to the United States Aml)assador, and has the honour to acknowledge the receipt of his Excellency's note of the 17th instant,* enclosing copy of a communication from the German Government relating to the treatment of British prisoners of war in Germany. This communication is now being examined in detail by the competent Department of His Majesty's Government, and Sir E. Grey does not desire, therefore, to make any comment on it at the present time, except in regard to tlie two following points, to which he would call Mr. Page's immediate attention : — 1. The communication contains no statement, other than in merely general terras, as to the quantity of the food supplied to the prisoners, except as regards bread, althougli tiie quantities of every kind of food supplied to German prisoners of war in this country were indicated in the statement furnished by His Majesty's Government in Sir E. Grey's note of the 14th December last.t 2. The communication from the (ierman Government also contains the statement, under the heading of clothing, that " the worn-out clothing of female prisoners is replaced by suitable customary garb." This appears to be an admission that there are female prisoners in German detention camps, and in the event of anj- of these female prisoners being British subjects, their detention is contrary to the agreement between Great Britain and Germany for the mutual release of female subjects. Sir E. Grey will be obliged if Mr. Page will kindly request the United States Ambassador in Berlin to obtain information from the Gennan Government on these two points. Foreign Ojfice, March 20, 1915. * See No. 108. t See No. 36. No. 115. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. THE Secretary of State for Foreign Affaii's presents his compliments to his Excellency the United States Ambassador, and has the honour to state that information is constantly reaching this country that insiiflRcient food is being supplied by the German Govennncnt to British prisoners of war. In view of this state oL' things, Sir K. Grey would be grateful if Mr. Page would be so good as to ascertain by telegraph from the United States Ambassador in Berlin whether Mr. Gerard wovdd consent to receive consignments of bisciiits, tinned or potted meats, &c., if sent in bulk from this country, for distribution among British prisoners of war in the vaiuous internment camps in German}'', and whether his Excellency coidd arrange for the purchase, locally, of meat, in order to supplement the rations supplied by the German Governnient. Foreign Office, March 20, 3015. No. IIG. Sir C. Spring-Rice, His Majesty's Ambassador i)i Washington, to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received Marcli 21.) (Telegraphic.) Wasliington, Mairh 20, 1915. SCHEME for relief of prisoners of war. United States Ambassador at Berlin has been instructed to proceed with the scheme by appointing ten representatives from the United States Diplomatic or Consular corps in Gennany, and to inform State Department if more were required. 86 No. 117. Sh\Edward Grey to Sir C. Spring-Tiice, His Majesty's Ambassador in Washington. (Telegraphic.) - Foreign Office, March 22, 1915. YOUR tele,i?ram of 20tli March.* Please convey to Secretary of State, and ask him to convey to United States Ambassador at Berlin, the grateful appreciation of His Majesty's Government of the successful efforts of United States Government in securing the acceptance of the scheme of relief, and of the prompt steps taken to give effect to that scheme. * See No. 116. No. 118. Sir Edivard Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. SIR E. GREY presents his compliments to the United States Ambassador, and, with reference to his Excellency's note of the 3rd instant,* transmit^^ing copy of a letter from the United States Ambassador at Berlin relative to the relief of distressed British subjects at Ruhleben, has the honour to request that Mr. Gerard may be informed that the proposal to expend the sum of 5 M. a-week per man in providing comforts to some 2,(1(0 destitute prisoners is approved, arid that his Excellency's action in elaborating so practical a scheme of relief is greatly ajDpreciated by His Majesty's Government. Sir E. Grey would be glad if a separate note could be made of the relief granted to destitute seamen, and if the names of the vessels on which the men relieved were serving on the outbreak of war could be stated. Foreign Office, March 22, 1915. * 6ee No. 95. No. 119. Sii' Edward Grey to Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London. THE Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs presents his compliments to the United States Ambassador, and has the honour to acknowledge the receipt of his Excellency's note of the r.»th instant* relative to the suggested visit of a member of Mr. Page's staff to Germany to inspect the camps in vihich British prisoners, civil and military, are interned. Sir E. Grey is anxious to avail himself of the kind offer of Mr. Bryan as conveyed in the last paragraph ol the telegram from the State Department, a copy of which was enclosed in .\lr Page's note, that a member of the United States Embassy in London may be transferred to Berlin for the purpose of carrying out the inspection, and he would, therefore, be grateful if Mr. Page would send a member of his staff, a military officer if Mr. Page thinks this desirable and can spare one, who could work with the diplomatic and consular officials appointed by Mr. Gerard, and who would report on the conditions prevailing in the detention camps. Foreign Office, March 22, 19 lo. * See No. 112. 87 D No. 120. Sir C. Spring-Rice, Tlis Majesty's Ambassador in Washington, to Sir Edward Grey. — [lieceived March 20.) (Telegraphic.) Washington, March 25, 1915. MY telegram of 20th March * United States Government informs me that everything possible is being done by United States Ambassador at Berlin for inspjection of campjs and relief of prisonr-rs of war. • See No. IIG. 11! 3 H B a X n O o o o o 55 <^ 53 ?1- ?^ ^ o ^». O" o 5^ S' Co" ^ i;^ o^ I' «." Co Co ^ '^ t^ g ^ ^ §■ e< s t— ' s O ^ o s a o o B 5' o 00 £j ?' g I — 1 n) o CO t2! o n o i a a. 3 Cfi ■13 5 CD B O CD c:i c»- O CD 1 B CD 9 3! CD H n a- CO "j CD •a o B CA g 5' CD B ct P •^ B (Tt- M ^ s. m CD "Td c-t- g a 1-1^ 2 £. P^ Sj' CD (-»-* o w % 13 B CO* w GO o r o B' •— b m o ^ a. < ? B •-J o HI B 1 Q f O a Da O CD UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGZLE3 JUN 15 1962 LIBRARY GOVT. PUBS. ROOM