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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:34:45 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:34:45 -0700 |
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diff --git a/10589-h/10589-h.htm b/10589-h/10589-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..052f16d --- /dev/null +++ b/10589-h/10589-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2770 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> + +<html> +<head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" + content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> + + <title>Project Gutenberg eBook: Turkish Prisoners In Egypt, by + The Int'l Committee Of The Red Cross.</title> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + * { font-family: Times;} + Body { font-size: 14pt; + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10% } + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 14pt; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + Table { font-size: 14pt; + border-collapse: collapse; } + ul { list-style: none outside; + margin-top: 0em; + margin-bottom: .15em; + margin-right: 35% } + .list {margin-bottom: 0.25em; } + Blockquote { font-size: 14pt; + width: 85%; + margin-left: 15%; } + H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + H1 { text-align: center; + font-size: 36; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1.5em; } + H2 { text-align: center; + margin-top: 0em; + margin-bottom: 0em; } + H3 { text-align: center; + margin-top: 0em; + margin-bottom: 1em; } + .chapter { width: 70%; + margin-top: 2.75em; + margin-bottom: 1.5em; } + // --> + </style> +</head> + +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10589 ***</div> + + <h1>TURKISH PRISONERS IN EGYPT</h1> + + <h2>A Report By The Delegates Of The International Committee Of + The Red Cross</h2><br> + + + <h3><i>Extracted and translated from the Official Reports of + the Red Cross Society</i></h3> + + <h3><i>(Documents publiés à l'occasion de la + Guerre Européenne, 1914-1917)</i></h3> + + <h4>Published in 1917</h4> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <blockquote> + <i>A Report on a visit made in December, 1916, and January, + 1917, to the Camps for Turkish Prisoners of War in Egypt, + by the Delegates of the International Committee of the Red + Cross.</i> + </blockquote> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h1>Turkish Prisoners in Egypt</h1> + + <h2>INTRODUCTION</h2><br> + + + <p>Being deputed by the Red Cross International Committee to + visit Turkish prisoners of war in Egypt, we presented ourselves + on December 3, 1916, to the officer for Naval Transport in the + British office at Marseilles. By order of the War Office he + obtained berths for us on the liner <i>Morea</i>, of the P. and + O. Line. We embarked at Marseilles on December 19, 1916, and + after an uneventful journey reached Port Said on December + 27.</p> + + <p>At Cairo General Murray, Commander-in-Chief of the British + forces in Egypt, was good enough to put us in touch with + Brig.-General II. G. Casson, C.M.G., Director-in-Chief of the + Prisoners of War Department. With the help of Colonel Simpson + we drew up a programme of visits. A motor-car was placed at our + disposal, and permission given us to take photographs in the + camps, distribute gifts among the prisoners, and talk freely + with them.</p> + + <p>We have to express our warmest thanks to General Murray and + to the officers who allowed us to make our enquiries + everywhere, without restriction. We should also like to offer + our deepest gratitude to Sir Reginald Wingate, British High + Commissioner in Egypt, for the kindly care accorded us + throughout our stay.</p><a name="Chapter_1"></a> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>1. Heliopolis Camp.</h2> + + <h3><i>(Visited on January 2, 1917.)</i></h3> + + <p>This camp is laid out quite close to the new city of hotels + and villas founded in 1905 under the name of The Oasis of + Heliopolis. The camp site is 134 feet above the level of + Cairo.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Strength.</i>—3,906 Turkish non-commissioned + officers and men.</p> + + <p>3 Turkish soldiers of the Sanitary Corps.</p> + + <p>2 Armenian doctors (officers in the Turkish Army).</p> + + <p>The camp is arranged to hold a total population of 15,000 + men. A barbed-wire fencing separates it from adjoining + property.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Accommodation.</i>—The barracks for the prisoners + are arranged in groups, in parallel lines separated by passages + 65 feet wide. These barracks, built under the supervision of + the Egyptian Engineering Department, are of uniform + construction, and about 42 feet long by 30 feet wide. They are + solid frames of wood with the spaces between filled in with + reeds arranged vertically and held in place by crossbars. The + roof is of reed thatch edged with tarred felt. Thanks to the + design, the ventilation is perfect. The sandy soil shows hardly + a sign of dampness. The passage between the rows of beds is + made of hard-beaten earth which is very dry and easily kept + clean. All along this corridor, as in all the camp roads, + buckets full of water are arranged in readiness to meet an + outbreak of fire. The water in these buckets is not meant for + drinking, and therefore contains a little cresol to prevent + prisoners drinking it. The danger of fire is further reduced to + a minimum by the fact that the men smoke only out of doors and + that the mildness of the climate does away with the use of + stoves. Each barrack accommodates 50 men.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Bedding.</i>—Each prisoner lies on a mat of plaited + rush, and has four blankets. Every morning the mats are brushed + and rolled up and the blankets folded, so that during the day + there is a large clear space inside the building. The detention + cells have the same sleeping accommodation.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Exercise.</i>—The space left between the barracks + of the separate sections is amply sufficient for exercise, + which is quite unrestricted during the regulation + hours.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Food.</i>—Provisions are purchased by the + commissariat and brought every morning into a special barrack, + whence each section draws its daily rations. Bread comes from + the Cairo bakeries. It is of good quality and agreeable to the + taste. The kitchens are in the open and heated by wood fires. + They are staffed by a detachment of prisoners under a head + cook. At meal times each section sends men to draw the rations + for each room in large metal bowls. Every man has his own + spoon, bowl and drinking cup, all of metal. The hours of meals + are ordinarily as follows:</p> + + <blockquote> + 5 a.m.; 11 a.m.; and 4 p.m. + </blockquote> + + <p>The last meal is the principal one of the day.</p> + + <p>We have examined the various food materials given the + prisoners and found them to be of excellent quality.</p> + + <p>The menu of the Turkish prisoners of war now interned in + Heliopolis Camp consists of bread, meat, vegetables, rice, + butter, pepper, salt, onions, tea (7-1/2 grammes), sugar (42 + grammes), cheese and jam or olives.</p> + + <p>Each prisoner receives 42-1/2 grammes of cigarettes and two + boxes of matches every week; two lbs. of firewood per day; and + soap.</p> + + <p>It interested us to make a note of the expenses involved by + the support of each Turkish prisoner, according to figures + supplied by the English authorities.</p> + + <p>The calculation is based on a period of six months (in + winter).</p> + + <center> + <table frame="void" + border="1" + cellpadding="6" + cellspacing="2" + rules="all"> + <tr align="center"> + <td width="240"> </td> + + <td width="50">£</td> + + <td width="50">s.</td> + + <td width="50">d.</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Clothing and linen</td> + + <td align="right">3</td> + + <td align="right">0</td> + + <td align="right">0</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Periodical renovation of winter<br> + clothes</td> + + <td align="right">0</td> + + <td align="right">6</td> + + <td align="right">6</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Renovation of linen, footwear,<br> + and towels (twice)</td> + + <td align="right">1</td> + + <td align="right">10</td> + + <td align="right">0</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Food at actual contract prices</td> + + <td align="right">5</td> + + <td align="right">0</td> + + <td align="right">0</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Tobacco</td> + + <td align="right">0</td> + + <td align="right">12</td> + + <td align="right">6</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Wood (average price)</td> + + <td align="right">0</td> + + <td align="right">7</td> + + <td align="right">6</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Lighting (as for Maadi Camp)</td> + + <td align="right">0</td> + + <td align="right">2</td> + + <td align="right">0</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Water filtration (Maadi)</td> + + <td align="right">0</td> + + <td align="right">0</td> + + <td align="right">6</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Total</td> + + <td align="right">£10</td> + + <td align="right">19</td> + + <td align="right">0</td> + </tr> + </table> + </center><br> + + + <p>Depreciation of buildings, fittings, blankets and other + things provided is not included in these figures.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Canteen.</i>—The regulation food of the prisoners + being ample, the canteen plays a very minor part in the feeding + arrangements. It sells tea, coffee, and light refreshments. A + cup of sweetened tea costs 5 paras, or about one-third of a + penny. The canteen also deals in letter paper, post-cards, + thread, needles, buttons and other small odds and ends.</p> + + <p>The men receive 2 ounces of tobacco free every week. They + never get alcohol.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Clothing.</i>—Each prisoner is supplied with two + complete sets of underwear: shirts, drawers, and socks. The + uniform consists of trousers and coat of dark blue cloth. The + brass buttons give it a military appearance.</p> + + <p>All the men wear the red fez. They are allowed to wear their + decorations. That they are prisoners is shown only by their + having on them a white metal plate about 1-1/2 inches in + diameter, bearing a registration number and the two letters + P.W. (Prisoner of War). In our opinion this kind of medallion + is a more judicious form of indication than the bands, armlets + or large letters used elsewhere. In summer the cloth uniforms + are replaced by linen uniforms of the same cut and colour.</p> + + <p>All men wear indoors leather slippers of the Eastern kind. + Shoes are used only by prisoners engaged on gardening, and by + non-commissioned officers.</p> + + <p>Linen, clothes and footwear are renewed on fixed dates or + according to need.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Hygiene.</i>—Everything that has to do with hygiene + and the sanitation of the camp is the province of + Lieut.-Colonel E.G. Garner, Medical Office Inspector of + Prisoner-of-War Camps in Egypt.</p> + + <p>Water is supplied from the Heliopolis town mains, is of good + quality, and is provided in sufficient quantities.</p> + + <p>For toilet purposes the prisoners have the use twice a day + of shower baths and water taps. The floor of the lavatories is + sloping cement, and the water drains away through a gulley + between the two rows of baths. Prisoners can get hot water from + the kitchen when they need it. Soap is supplied <i>ad + libitum</i>.</p> + + <p>For washing their clothes the prisoners have some very + convenient arrangements. Once a week each prisoner's blankets + and clothes are passed through the disinfecting chamber and + thoroughly sterilised. Thanks to this precaution, there is not + a trace of vermin to be found in the camp.</p> + + <p>Ten Turkish barbers are occupied in cutting the hair of + prisoners and shaving them in a well-managed barber's shop.</p> + + <p>The latrines are clean and numerous enough. Some of them are + on the English system; the rest on the Turkish. They are + disinfected daily with carbolineum. All discharge into the + sewers.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Medical attention.</i>—The camp medical service is + staffed by Colonel E.G. Garner and two Armenian doctors (Arsen + Khoren and Léon Samuel). Four English hospital orderlies + are assisted by three Turkish orderlies. An English dentist + visits the camp at the doctor's request.</p> + + <p>At the infirmary, which is clean and well looked after, all + prisoners not seriously ill are accommodated with beds having + mattresses and steel springs. The consulting room is well + supplied with medicines. Serious cases are sent to the + hospitals set apart for prisoners of war.</p> + + <p>From 20 to 30 men come to the infirmary daily for medical + attention. All the cases are entered in a register, which we + have examined; after each name is the complaint and the + treatment prescribed.</p> + + <p>At the time of our visit there were six lying-down cases in + the infirmary; two with tuberculosis in the first stage + (prisoners captured recently at El Arish); one with diarrhoea; + one with conjunctivitis; one with malaria; and one with a + wounded leg.</p> + + <p>Of the prisoners in camp 3 per cent. have been attacked by + malaria—old cases from the marshy districts of Turkey, + such as Angora Yosgath, for instance. Nine per cent. have been + attacked by chronic bacillar dysentery; these are treated + periodically with anti-dysenteric serum. Some cases of amibian + dysentery are being treated with calomel, salol, and emetine. + Twenty per cent. were affected by ophthalmia due to their stay + in the desert before being captured. These were treated with + sulphate of zinc and protargol.</p> + + <p>Four prisoners are suffering from trachoma of old standing. + Recent cases are ordinary ailments, bronchitis and simple + diarrhoea.</p> + + <p>As a general rule the camp prisoners look well, have a good + colour and are well nourished.</p> + + <p>The prisoners were inoculated in Turkey against typhoid + fever and smallpox. All who no longer showed traces of + vaccination were vaccinated immediately after being captured. + They were also inoculated against cholera.</p> + + <p>There is no typhoid fever in the camp, nor exanthematic + typhus, nor any other infectious disease.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Work.</i>—The prisoners have no regular work to do. + No prisoner is employed in workshops outside the camp. Even + inside, except for ordinary camp fatigue duties, and some light + gardening, no labour is exacted. During our inspection we saw + the digging for a water supply through the camp being done by + Arab workmen, not by prisoners.</p> + + <p>In any case, corporals and sergeants are not allowed to + work.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Religion and Recreation.</i>—The prisoners are + quite free to follow their own religious practices, which are + performed thrice a day ordinarily, and six or seven times daily + during Ramadan. Music and singing are permitted; prisoners have + manufactured several guitars and violins.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Correspondence.</i>—Most of the prisoners brought + money with them; some have received sums of money from their + families through the Turkish Red Cross and the International + Committee of the Red Cross. They receive the amount in weekly + instalments of 30 piastres (about 6 shillings) per month. Each + person has a separate current account with the camp + accountant.</p> + + <p>Letters take from three weeks to three months to get from + the sender to the prisoner to whom they are addressed. Some of + them are sent through the American Consul at Cairo. Very few of + the prisoners can write, but these may do so as often and for + as long as they wish. There is no system of delaying + correspondence after delivery or before despatch.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Prisoners' Aid.</i>—There is no relief committee in + the camp; so far, no general relief funds have been sent. + Sergeant-Major Hussein Hissan, a native of Constantinople, told + us that, although there were many poor prisoners in the camp, + there was no need to send help, as all prisoners are well fed, + well clothed and supplied with tobacco.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Prisoners' Behaviour.</i>—What strikes one more + than anything else on entering the camp is the prevailing + orderliness and cleanliness. A Turkish sergeant-major commands + each group of huts, and a Turkish sergeant is responsible for + each dormitory. The prisoners are smart, give the military + salute and come to attention at the orders of the + non-commissioned officers when those in command pass through + the camp.</p> + + <p>Sergeant-Major Hassar Mohammed, from Angora, and Hamid + Abdallah, from Koniah (Asia Minor), told us, on behalf of their + fellow prisoners, that they had no complaints to make, and + assured us of the kind treatment which they receive.</p> + + <p>On their part, the English officers and non-commissioned + officers declared that the prisoners are well disciplined and + very willing. In short, we took away with us an excellent + impression of Heliopolis Camp.</p><a name="Chapter_2"></a> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>2. Hospital No. 2, at Abbassiah, near Cairo.</h2> + + <h3><i>(Visited on January 2, 1917.)</i></h3> + + <p>This hospital, on the pavilion system, and arranged in + accordance with the requirements of modern practice, is + reserved exclusively for German, Austrian, Bulgarian and + Turkish prisoners of war. It is staffed by head doctor + Wickermann, assisted by four English doctors. Some English Red + Cross nurses and 18 Turkish orderlies attend to the sick and + wounded. These nurses and orderlies are engaged only with + treatment. The rough ward work and cleaning are done by native + employés. The pavilions are built of stone and separated + by intervals of 32-1/2 feet. The roofs are of cement. Along one + side runs a covered gallery wherein beds and arm-chairs are + placed for the open-air cure of patients for whom it is + prescribed. The floor of the pavilions is a kind of linoleum + made of sawdust and cement, and is covered with palm mats. The + windows are large, and the cubic space per patient ample. The + beds are arranged in two rows and have spring and stuffed + mattresses. Blankets are not stinted. The rooms are + scrupulously clean; and the hospital sterilising chamber serves + to disinfect the clothes, which, after being washed and + labelled, are stored in a wardrobe and handed back to the + owners when they leave the hospital. The prisoners have no + trouble over them. A large supply of things for the patients is + kept in the laundry.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Clothing.</i>—The hospital patients wear pyjamas + like those of British soldiers; and, like the latter, + convalescents wear a bright blue suit with white facings and a + red necktie. Patients able to sit up have folding easy-chairs + at their disposal.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Dressings.</i>—The hospital drug department is well + stocked. The wounded are supplied with surgical appliances, and + with artificial limbs of the most perfect make.</p> + + <p>The day before our visit 80 wounded prisoners arrived at the + hospital from El Arish in an exhausted and emaciated condition. + We saw each case receive the most suitable treatment. The + apparatus most generally used for dealing with fractures + consists of a metal frame with flannel strips stretched from + side to side to form a kind of trough. When the broken limb is + in position the apparatus is suspended from the ceiling by + means of pulleys. We have never seen this ingenious arrangement + in any German or French hospital; it seems to us to be a very + practical idea and likely to prove of great benefit to the + wounded. At the head of each bed is a temperature chart, a diet + chart, and a clinical summary of the case.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Special Quarters.</i>—The operating theatre is well + arranged; a sterilising stove is heated by paraffin. In the + wards for prisoners suffering from malaria the beds are + enclosed by mosquito nets to prevent the <i>anopheles</i> + mosquito infecting itself and then biting other patients or + people of the neighbourhood. Two wards are kept for + convalescent cases, who have a dining-room to stay in during + the day.</p> + + <p>Cases of venereal disease are also confined to separate + premises.</p> + + <p>The orderlies live in two comfortable tents in the hospital + garden, one of which, is occupied by those on day duty, the + other by those on night duty.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Hygiene.</i>—The water is of good quality, supplied + from the Cairo water system. The prisoners can use the + well-equipped hot and cold baths at their pleasure. Invalids + wash themselves, or are washed with the aid of bowls. + Convalescents wash at the taps supplied for their use.</p> + + <p>The latrines are on the Turkish plan, with automatic + water-flush, and discharge into the town drainage.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Food.</i>—The hospital management employs a + contractor to do the provisioning. The food is prepared in the + kitchen by 4 Egyptian employés. The dietary of the + Turkish soldiers differs somewhat from that of the German and + Austrian prisoners, in order to suit the palates of each. For + example, the Turks prefer flat loaves, which are baked for + them; while European prisoners get what is called English + bread, toasted. Bulgarian curdled milk is prepared for + dysentery patients, and the English doctors testify to its good + effects.</p> + + <p>An ice-box in each pavilion keeps such provisions as must + stay there quite fresh. The diet for invalids is divided into + full diet and milk diet.</p> + + <p class="list">1. FULL DIET.</p> + + <ul> + <li><i>Breakfast</i>: Bread; milk.</li> + + <li><i>Lunch</i>: Meat stew; vegetables; rice; bread.</li> + + <li><i>Supper</i>: Bread; soup; rice; milk.</li> + + <li><i>Extra, when ordered</i>: Chicken; pigeon; rabbit; + butchers' meat; lemons; eggs; cheese; curdled milk.</li> + </ul> + + <p class="list">2. MILK DIET.</p> + + <ul> + <li><i>Breakfast</i>: Bread; milk.</li> + + <li><i>Lunch</i>: Soup; bread; milk; rice.</li> + + <li><i>Supper</i>: Bread; milk; sugar.</li> + </ul> + + <p>The quantities of food allowed to invalids are given + below:</p><br> + + + <center> + <table frame="void" + border="1" + cellpadding="6" + cellspacing="2" + rules="all"> + <tr align="center"> + <td width="175"> </td> + + <td width="94"><i>Ordinary Diet.<br> + grm.</i></td> + + <td width="94"><i>Milk Diet.<br> + grm.</i></td> + + <td width="94"><i>Diet for<br> + Fever Patients.<br> + grm.</i></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Native bread (baladi)</td> + + <td align="right">937</td> + + <td align="right">625</td> + + <td align="right"> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Beef</td> + + <td align="right">115</td> + + <td align="right">100</td> + + <td> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Vegetables</td> + + <td align="right">120</td> + + <td> </td> + + <td> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Rice</td> + + <td align="right">115</td> + + <td align="right">50</td> + + <td> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Milk</td> + + <td align="right">200</td> + + <td align="right">800</td> + + <td align="right">1,200</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Fat</td> + + <td align="right">20</td> + + <td> </td> + + <td> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Sugar</td> + + <td align="right">20</td> + + <td align="right">25</td> + + <td> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Salt</td> + + <td align="right">15</td> + + <td align="right">5</td> + + <td> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Pepper</td> + + <td align="right">3</td> + + <td align="right">1</td> + + <td> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Onions</td> + + <td align="right">20</td> + + <td> </td> + + <td> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Tomatoes</td> + + <td align="right">10</td> + + <td> </td> + + <td> </td> + </tr> + </table> + </center><br> + <br> + + + <p>We examined all these provisions and found them to be + excellent in quality.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Sickness.</i>—Sick prisoners are transferred from + the camps to the hospital in specially fitted motor vehicles. + The English doctors without exception praise the patience and + brave endurance of pain shown by the Turkish prisoners. The + cases treated in the hospital up to January 2, 1917, the date + of our visit, are analysed below.</p><br> + + + <center> + <table frame="void" + border="1" + cellpadding="6" + cellspacing="2" + rules="all"> + <tr align="center"> + <td width="185"> </td> + + <td width="90">Turks</td> + + <td width="90">Bulgarians</td> + + <td width="90">Germans</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Tuberculosis</td> + + <td align="right">27</td> + + <td align="right">0</td> + + <td align="right">0</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Bacillar dysentery</td> + + <td align="right">37</td> + + <td align="right">3</td> + + <td align="right">2</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Malaria</td> + + <td align="right">3</td> + + <td align="right">0</td> + + <td align="right">0</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>War wounds</td> + + <td align="right">74</td> + + <td align="right">2</td> + + <td align="right">4</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Anaemia and weakness</td> + + <td align="right">30</td> + + <td align="right">12</td> + + <td align="right">5</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Various</td> + + <td align="right">96</td> + + <td align="right">5</td> + + <td align="right">0</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Totals</td> + + <td align="right">267</td> + + <td align="right">22</td> + + <td align="right">11</td> + </tr> + </table> + </center><br> + <br> + + + <p>There is no epidemic disease in the hospital.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Deaths.</i>—Sixty-six Turkish prisoners died in the + Abbassiah hospital between August 8, 1916, and January 1, + 1917.</p> + + <div style="margin-left: 1em;"> + <table border="0" + cellpadding="2" + cellspacing="0"> + <tr> + <td>From</td> + + <td width="125">Dysentery</td> + + <td align="right">45</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="center">"</td> + + <td>Tuberculosis</td> + + <td align="right">9</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="center">"</td> + + <td>Beri-beri</td> + + <td align="right">1</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="center">"</td> + + <td>Malaria</td> + + <td align="right">1</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="center">"</td> + + <td>War wounds</td> + + <td align="right">9</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="center">"</td> + + <td>Typhoid fever</td> + + <td align="right">1</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td> </td> + + <td> </td> + + <td style="border-top: black dashed 1pt;">66</td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + + <p>In addition, one German prisoner died of pneumonia. As + regards deaths from dysentery, most of the prisoners attacked + by the disease came from the Hedjaz, and were in a seriously + weak and exhausted condition.</p> + + <p>Turkish prisoners are prepared for burial in the manner + prescribed by their religion. They are buried in a Moslem + cemetery. British soldiers from the garrison pay them the last + honours, and the prisoners are represented at the + cemetery.</p><a name="Chapter_3"></a> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>3. Maadi Camp.</h2> + + <h3><i>(Visited on January 3, 1917.)</i></h3> + + <p>The chief camp at Maadi is 9-1/3 miles south of Cairo, on + the right bank of the Nile. All prisoners are taken to it after + capture, and thence distributed among the other camps in + Egypt.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Strength.</i>—Five thousand five hundred and + fifty-six Turkish non-commissioned officers and men, including + 1,200 men recently captured at El Arish in the Sinai + peninsula.</p> + + <p>No officers are interned in this camp. Three imaums + (priests) were not classed with the officers, as they had + served as privates.</p> + + <p>The prisoners include—besides Turks—Arabs, + Armenians, Greeks, Jews from Palestine and Mesopotamia, and + some Senoussi. Only a small number have been captives ever + since the beginning of the war; a large proportion come from + Gallipoli. We found among the prisoners a boy 8 years old, + named Abd-el-Mohsen, who lives in camp with his father.</p> + + <p>The camp is divided into 41 sections and 4 quarters. The + last are divided off from one another by barbed wire + fences.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Accommodation.</i>—The quarters of the Turkish + prisoners in Maadi Camp include: (1) Old buildings originally + erected as a school of music and subsequently used as a + factory; (2) barracks built recently for prisoners of war.</p> + + <p>The first consist chiefly of a huge hall 252 feet long and + 49 feet wide, with many large openings in the walls. The roof, + of match-boarding, is 33 feet above the floor. Standpipes are + fixed all along the hall. There are, in addition, some + out-buildings used by the management and as stores.</p> + + <p>In the other camp sections new barracks, measuring as a rule + 100 by 39 feet, were erected by a building firm. Walls and roof + are of wood and thatch; the floor is hard-beaten earth. All + camp quarters are well open to the air, so that proper + ventilation presents no difficulties.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Sleeping Accommodation.</i>—Lengthwise of all the + quarters run platforms of beaten earth, 6-1/2 feet wide, and 9 + inches above the floor. On these are placed the woven rush mats + which serve for beds. Each prisoner has 3 blankets. During the + season when the temperature falls appreciably at night extra + blankets are served out. All bedding is cleaned and disinfected + at regular intervals. Shelves whereon the prisoners can keep + their belongings are fixed between the rows of beds.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Food.</i>—The food of the prisoners of war is + according to the scale already given. Kitchens are provided in + each section and staffed by the prisoners themselves. We tasted + the soup and meat stew, and found them of good quality and very + appetising. The prisoners receive <i>baladi</i> or native + bread, which resembles their usual food and is supplied by + Cairo bakeries. We questioned many of the men, who assured us + that they were satisfied with the food. The only complaint + noted by us was that of a man who thought that he got rice too + often. A small canteen supplies black coffee, sweetened, at a + farthing per cup. It is run as a private concern under the + supervision of the authorities. Tobacco is distributed every + Thursday on the scale mentioned previously.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Clothing.</i>—Soon after their arrival in camp the + prisoners were taken to a large courtyard, in which they + stripped off all their clothes and foot-gear. As a health + precaution all this stuff was scrapped and destroyed. After + being disinfected, the men received a complete new outfit + consisting of two pairs of drawers and two flannel shirts, a + cholera belt, socks, a pair of trousers and a dark blue cloth + tunic with linen lining and uniform buttons, and a red fez. + Leather slippers for privates and shoes for sergeants and + corporals complete the outfit, the smartness of which leaves + nothing to be desired. Although on the day of our visit the + thermometer stood at about 53°F. many of the men were also + wearing their thick cloth overcoats. Every prisoner has + fastened in his tunic a small metal plate bearing his + registration number. Non-commissioned officers are + distinguished by a white linen armlet, crossed by a blue band + for corporals, and by a red band for sergeants. The + sergeant-major wears a red armlet.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Hygiene.</i>—The drinking-water used in camp is + drawn by two steam pumps from a well sunk to a great depth + close to the Nile. The Nile water, after passing through a kind + of natural filter, is thus lifted into a reservoir above the + camp, and is distributed in all directions by gravity. The + bacteriological analysis made every week when the supply was + first opened—now once a month—showed the water to + be perfectly pure.</p> + + <p>Water for washing purposes is plentiful. Hot and cold + shower-baths are installed throughout the camp. The prisoners + are obliged to use them once a week, but may, if they choose, + have a bath four times a day. In summer especially the baths + are never idle.</p> + + <p>Prisoners get plenty of soap and wash their own linen on + wooden tables arranged under water taps.</p> + + <p>Two high-pressure steam disinfecting chambers serve the + camp, and once a week all blankets are passed through them. The + camp contains no fleas, lice, or bugs.</p> + + <p>The day latrines are 100 yards from the living quarters. + They are of the Turkish kind, with movable tubs—1 tub for + every 10 men. Every tub contains some cresol solution. The + night-soil is removed daily by the Cairo road authorities and + converted into manure. Some latrines close to the barracks are + kept for night use and are locked up during the day.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Medical Attention.</i>—The medical service of Maadi + Camp is in the hands of head-doctor Captain Scrimgeour, who in + time of peace practised in Nazareth. He is assisted by an + English doctor-adjutant, and 4 Arab doctors, natives of Syria. + All these doctors speak Turkish and Arabic. Nine English + orderlies and 12 Turkish orderlies carry out the sick duties. A + dentist comes to camp when required.</p> + + <p>The infirmary included three well-appointed quarters built + in masonry, and able to hold 40 patients.</p> + + <p>The infirmary bedding accommodation consists of iron + bedsteads with spring mattress and stuffed mattress. The + blankets are warm and unlimited in number.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Illness.</i>—Every morning 300-400 prisoners come + on sick parade. This number represents about 8 per cent. of the + strength. Although these men often come to be treated for + trifling ailments, such as slight constipation, or even a small + boil, the doctors make it a rule not to prevent anyone going + sick, as this course enables them to keep the closer watch upon + the health of the camp.</p> + + <p>On the occasion of our visit there were in the infirmary 7 + men laid up: 1 with itch, 1 with diarrhoea, 1 with neuralgia, 1 + with an abscess in the neck, 1 with articular rheumatism, and 1 + with gastritis. A prisoner who had been trepanned by the + doctors on account of damage done to his skull before his + capture, was gradually recovering the power of motion and his + normal sensibility.</p> + + <p>Since the camp was opened there have been 35 cases of + tertian ague, all from the Hedjaz, Mecca, Taïf and Jeddah; + but no case of aggravated malaria. Eleven cases of tuberculosis + were sent into the Egyptian Red Cross hospitals and to that at + Abbassiah. Six cases of trachoma are now undergoing treatment + with applications of protargol. In summer there have been a few + cases of ordinary diarrhoea. The camp has not suffered from + dysentery, typhoid, typhus, nor any other epidemic disease.</p> + + <p>All prisoners are inoculated against smallpox, typhoid and + cholera.</p><br> + + + <p><i>The Severely Wounded and those who have lost + Limbs.</i>—A special quarter of the camp contains 55 men + who have lost limbs in the war. They are provided with the most + perfect prothesis apparatus, jointed artificial limbs. Among + them are 2 blind men. Sixty other wounded who have escaped more + lightly suffer from stiffness of the joints, ankylosis and + atrophy. They are well provided with sticks and + crutches.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Deaths.</i>—Two aged prisoners have died in the + camp, both from apoplexy. They were interred with military + honours in the Moslem burial-ground nearest to the + camp.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Exercise.</i>—No limit is placed upon the time + during which exercise may be taken in the open space round the + barracks.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Work.</i>—The prisoners have not to do work. + Several attempts have been made to teach them boot-making, but + their results were so unpromising that they were given up. + Although there are many agriculturists among the prisoners, it + would not do to use them for work on the land along with the + natives, owing to the ease with which they could escape and the + need for having many soldiers to guard them. However, for some + weeks past the camp commandant has made trial of using some + prisoners for market gardening on lands beside the Nile, just + outside the camp.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Discipline.</i>—Under the head of discipline there + are hardly any complaints to make, and punishment has rarely + had to be inflicted. One case of escape was punished with three + months' imprisonment without any alteration in diet. Only + tobacco was cut off. An old offender was brought before a + court-martial, and sentenced by it to six months' imprisonment. + The prison quarters are cells built entirely of cement, with + two barred windows well above the ground to light the chamber, + which is of ample size.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Right to Make Complaints.</i>—The camp commandant + makes a general inspection every day. Every prisoner has the + right to step forward and make his complaints. The commandant + converses with the prisoners through the medium of several + British officers who speak Arabic and Turkish. Moreover, the + prisoners have the right of appeal to the Commander-in-Chief + and to Brig.-General Casson, who often make tours of inspection + through the camps.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Religion.</i>—The prisoners have every opportunity + for practising their religious observances. For the Mahometans + a small mosque has been built, round which they spread their + praying carpets. Some of them read the Koran regularly; others + seem indifferent. Despite differences of race, origin, and even + of religion, good-feeling prevails among the prisoners and + quarrels are very few in number.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Games and Recreations.</i>—As regards games and + recreations, the prisoners are interested only in wrestling, + cards and dominoes. They have been introduced to football + without success. Some have shown great skill in the manufacture + of mandolines, guitars, and tambourines. All materials as well + as games are provided gratis by the British Government. The + camp commandant has bought the men some gramophones. Many + prisoners make articles of coloured beads—handbags, + purses, necklaces, bracelets, etc.—which show + considerable artistic taste. We bought one of these beautiful + pieces of work as a specimen. The articles sell readily in the + curiosity shops at Cairo. One section of 1,200 prisoners netted + from the sales a sum of 2,500 francs in a fortnight.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Correspondence.</i>—Most of the prisoners receive + very few letters or none. They are allowed to write in their + language once a fortnight, but take very little advantage of + the permission. It seems that many letters addressed to their + families in Turkey come back again, as the addressee has not + been found. Some Turks captured near Bagdad and transported to + Burmah received their money from home, but have not received + any more during the one or two months that have elapsed since + they were transferred to Maadi. It is probable that the money + was sent home again, or forwarded officially to the new place + of internment, and this takes a long time. Several prisoners + have taken advantage of their captivity to learn reading and + writing with their comrades' assistance. Many men had money on + them when they were taken. This money is lodged, and handed to + them at demand in monthly payments. Many soldiers have received + money orders from their families through the International + Committee of the Red Cross. Parcels, which are seldom received, + are opened in the presence of the addressee. Only knives are + confiscated.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Help for Prisoners.</i>—Leaving out of + consideration the wish expressed by some men to have a little + money for buying extra tobacco and coffee, we are satisfied + that there are no needy persons in the camp at Maadi.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Mentality.</i>—The many questions which we have + asked show that there is no dissatisfaction among the prisoners + with regard to the treatment they receive. Prisoners have + mentioned to us chiefly their anxiety about their families, of + whom they have no news. The Armenian clergy at Cairo look after + their fellow-countrymen.</p><a name="Chapter_4"></a> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>4. The Egyptian Red Cross Hospital at Cairo.</h2> + + <h3><i>(Visited on January 4, 1917.)</i></h3> + + <p>The Egyptian Red Cross, under the presidency of His Highness + Prince Fuad Pasha, being anxious to help its co-religionists, + founded in March, 1915, a hospital for sick and wounded + prisoners of war. This hospital is under the sole management of + the Turkish Red Cross, which is in touch with the British + authorities through Dr. Keatinge, Professor of the Faculty of + Medicine at Cairo.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Sanitary Staff.</i>—All the hospital doctors are + Egyptian. In addition to the doctor-in-chief, Dr. Abbas Bey + Helmey, two doctors, three surgeons, and one druggist live in + the hospital.</p> + + <p>Consulting doctors come from the town when sent for to treat + nose, ear and eye troubles. A Cairo specialist also places his + X-ray apparatus at the service of the hospital patients. The + matron is an American, and has three English nurses under + her.</p> + + <p>Thirty-two orderlies do the ward work.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Accommodation.</i>—The Egyptian Red Cross Hospital + is installed in an old palace of Omar-Pasha Lufti, situated in + a large garden, which is very shady and well kept. The + dimensions of the wards assure easy circulation of air and + perfect ventilation. As the building was not designed to serve + its present purpose, the various staffs are somewhat scattered, + but this difficulty has been got over in a most practical + manner. A huge corridor gives communication between the wards, + which are usually 23 feet square and 26 feet high. The large + wards considerably exceed these measurements, and their + tasteful decoration gives them a characteristic style. On the + first floor, the rooms for the consumptive patients measure 16 + by 16 by 13 feet—a very good cubical allowance for the + four beds in each. The floor is of large flag-stones. Most of + the rooms command the garden and a courtyard planted with + trees. The building occupied by the guard is quite separate + from the hospital. Electricity is used throughout the + buildings.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Bedding.</i>—The iron bedsteads, painted with white + ripolin, are separated from one another by pedestal tables. The + spring mattress, stuffed mattress, sheets and pillows are in + very sound condition. There is no limit set to the number of + blankets allowed. The beds are covered with pretty blue and + white quilts, with the Red Cross in the middle. This quite + recent innovation has a very pretty effect.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Food.</i>—The commissariat is arranged by contract + with a head cook. The menus are drawn up by the doctors + according to the diet prescribed. We tasted the day's food and + found it excellent. All provisions examined by us were of good + quality and carefully overlooked. The kitchen, with its + well-fitted ranges and polished utensils, struck us favourably. + The cooking and attendance is done by persons engaged by the + chef.</p> + + <p>Each man is provided with two bowls of tinned copper and a + drinking cup. All invalids get sweetened tea twice a day. + Officers may choose tea or coffee. The following is the + hospital dietary:</p> + + <p class="list">FOR OFFICERS.</p> + + <ul> + <li><i>Breakfast</i>: European bread; fresh milk; 3 eggs; + tea; coffee.</li> + + <li><i>Lunch</i>: Mutton; two dishes of vegetables, or + macaroni rice; salad; rice pudding; coffee; fruit.</li> + + <li><i>Dinner</i>: The same as lunch, but without + fruit.</li> + </ul> + + <p class="list">ORDINARY DIET.</p> + + <ul> + <li><i>Breakfast</i>: Arab bread; sweetened fresh + milk.</li> + + <li><i>Lunch</i>: Arab bread; beef; rice, vegetables.</li> + + <li><i>Dinner</i>: Arab bread; rice soup; rice + pudding.</li> + </ul> + + <p class="list">MILK DIET.</p> + + <ul> + <li><i>Breakfast</i>: Bread, 350 grm.; sweetened milk.</li> + + <li><i>Lunch</i>: Arab bread; soup; beef-tea; rice + pudding.</li> + + <li><i>Dinner</i>: Bread, 350 grm.; sweetened milk.</li> + </ul> + + <p class="list">FEVER DIET.</p> + + <ul> + <li><i>Breakfast</i>: Milk, 400 grm., without sugar.</li> + + <li><i>Lunch</i>: 400 grm. of milk without sugar.</li> + + <li><i>Dinner</i>: 400 grm. of milk without sugar.</li> + </ul> + + <p>On Sunday and Thursday mutton is replaced by game. On the + same two days a course of sweetened rice and macaroni is + substituted for fruit. The ration of Arab bread is 780 grammes + for ordinary diet; that of European bread 450 grammes. The + proportion of other articles is equally liberal.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Clothing.</i>—The sick men's garments are consigned + to a storehouse, and are replaced by 2 nightshirts, a hospital + jacket with a hood, and a pair of slippers.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Hygiene.</i>—Drinking water is drawn from the town + main and filtered before use. There is an ample installation of + lavatories with running water, baths with hot and cold douches, + and Turkish baths. Turkish latrines have been fitted in the + annexes of the palace. Natives do the laundry work and + ironing.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Special Quarters.</i>—The Red Cross Hospital is + provided with a spacious, well-lighted theatre for operations, + and all the necessary apparatus. In a neighbouring ward a + powerful fumigating stove, built by natives after a French + model, enables instruments and dressings to be completely + sterilised. Since the introduction of this perfected method of + sterilisation cases of infection and erysipelas have entirely + disappeared from the hospital, and post-operation mortality has + been reduced to barely one quarter per cent.</p> + + <p>There is a laboratory devoted to summary analyses; more + complete chemical or bacteriological analyses are carried out + in the town institution. The dispensary is well supplied, + containing all the most modern medicaments.</p> + + <p>Six wards are reserved for tuberculous cases, who have their + own special nurses. Such consumptives as are not confined to + bed pass most of the day in one of the palace gardens which is + assigned to them.</p> + + <p>One ward is occupied by wounded officers; another by the + non-commissioned officers. Two more wards are set apart for + patients suffering from dysentery. Operation cases are + assembled in a special chamber adjoining the theatre. Three + comfortable English hospital tents erected in the garden serve + as accommodation for convalescents who have to vacate their + beds in the palace when an unexpected influx of sick or wounded + prisoners takes place. All the wards are clean and well kept; + at the head of each bed is a medical chart detailing the + illness and the temperature.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Sickness.</i>—Since March 17, 1915, the date of its + foundation, up to the day of our visit, the Egyptian Red Cross + Hospital has treated 2,245 wounded or sick prisoners.</p> + + <p>There are at the present time 149 prisoners under treatment, + 8 Ottoman officers and 141 soldiers, distributed as + follows:</p> + + <p>Surgical cases (wounds): 66; among them 13 invalids and 6 + who have undergone amputation and have been detained a long + time in the hospital.</p> + + <p>Internal ailments: 38; we may mention among the most serious + cases of this kind noticed by us, 4 suffering from bilious + haemoglobinurea, all from Bagdad; 6 from dysentery, anaemic and + enfeebled patients; 4 from chronic nephritis.</p> + + <p>Eye affections: 25.</p> + + <p>Consumptives: 20.</p> + + <p>Which make up the total of 149 cases.</p> + + <p>Among the officers under treatment we may mention: 1 wounded + right knee, 1 scalp wound, 1 compound fracture of the thigh, 1 + neck wound, 1 bullet wound in the chest, 1 bullet wound in the + face, all recent cases coming from El Arish.</p> + + <p><i>Deaths</i>:</p> + + <center> + <table frame="void" + border="1" + cellpadding="6" + cellspacing="2" + rules="all"> + <tr align="center"> + <td width="190">Cause of Death.</td> + + <td width="90">Number of Deaths in 1915.</td> + + <td width="90">Number of Deaths in 1916.</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Surgical cases</td> + + <td align="right">30</td> + + <td align="right">17</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Pleurisy</td> + + <td align="right">2</td> + + <td align="right">5</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Dysentery</td> + + <td align="right">8</td> + + <td align="right">19</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Typhoid</td> + + <td align="right">1</td> + + <td align="right">1</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Pericarditis</td> + + <td align="right">1</td> + + <td align="right">2</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Pneumonia</td> + + <td align="right">3</td> + + <td align="right">11</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Pulmonary tuberculosis</td> + + <td align="right">—</td> + + <td align="right">26</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Intestinal tuberculosis</td> + + <td align="right">—</td> + + <td align="right">21</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Nephritis</td> + + <td align="right">—</td> + + <td align="right">5</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Gangrene</td> + + <td align="right">—</td> + + <td align="right">1</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Hepatitis</td> + + <td align="right">—</td> + + <td align="right">1</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Pernicious anaemia</td> + + <td align="right">—</td> + + <td align="right">1</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Total</td> + + <td align="right">45</td> + + <td align="right">110</td> + </tr> + </table> + </center><br> + + + <p>The dead were buried in the Musulman cemetery with military + honours, such comrades as were well enough attending the + ceremony.</p><a name="Chapter_5"></a> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>5. The Cairo Citadel Camp.</h2> + + <h3><i>(Visited on January 3, 1917.)</i></h3> + + <p>This camp occupies the curious Jewel-Palace, one of the + monuments of the citadel, and contains only women and children + coming from Hedjaz, who were captured near Mecca.</p> + + <p>The dates of arrival are as follows:</p> + + <div style="margin-left: 1em;"> + <table border="0" + cellpadding="2" + cellspacing="0"> + <tr> + <td align="center" + colspan="7">Women and Children.</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>1st</td> + + <td>convoy</td> + + <td>of</td> + + <td>123</td> + + <td> … </td> + + <td>September 11,</td> + + <td>1916</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>2nd</td> + + <td align="center">"</td> + + <td align="center">"</td> + + <td align="right">66</td> + + <td> … </td> + + <td>October 16,</td> + + <td>1916</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>3rd</td> + + <td align="center">"</td> + + <td align="center">"</td> + + <td align="right">26</td> + + <td> … </td> + + <td><span style= + "margin-left: 1.5em;">" 28,</span></td> + + <td>1916</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>4th</td> + + <td align="center">"</td> + + <td align="center">"</td> + + <td align="right">82</td> + + <td> … </td> + + <td>November 7,</td> + + <td>1916</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>5th</td> + + <td align="center">"</td> + + <td align="center">"</td> + + <td align="right">132</td> + + <td> … </td> + + <td><span style= + "margin-left: 1.5em;">" + 29,</span></td> + + <td>1916</td> + </tr> + </table> + </div><br> + + + <p><i>Numbers.</i>—The total includes 229 women and 207 + children (7 of whom were born in camp), and a further batch of + 200 women is expected shortly.</p> + + <p><i>The Head Matron</i> is Miss Lewis. It is she who has the + management and full control of this camp, which, by its + character and its diversity of nationalities, classes and + religions, demands great patience, tact and + kindness—qualities possessed in the highest degree by + Miss Lewis. She devotes herself entirely, and most capably, to + this often very ungrateful task, and we welcome this chance of + conveying to her the expression of our appreciation.</p> + + <p>Those interned are divided into three classes. The first + class consists of officers' wives and children; the second + class, of those of the non-commissioned officers; and the third + class, of soldiers' wives and servants. This classification has + been adopted in order that the dormitories shall be occupied by + persons of as nearly as possible the same social + standing.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Accommodation.</i>—The important group of buildings + known as Saleh-el-din (Saladin) comprises a great number of + rooms whose size and curious ornateness contrast strangely with + their present use as a concentration camp for civilian + prisoners. From the windows of these apartments one looks + across the panorama of Cairo, with its mosques, its minarets + and the misty background of the desert.</p> + + <p>The 40 inhabited rooms are allotted in three sections, + corresponding to the social classification established for the + interned women.</p> + + <p>The rooms and corridors are paved throughout with marble, + but the general distribution of mats and even beautiful carpets + gives an impression of comfort. The large dimensions of the + chambers, as compared with the smallness of the number of + occupants, give plenty of room for exercise and work. Corridors + and vestibules connect the different buildings. They are + lighted with paraffin lamps.</p> + + <p>An extensive garden is always at the prisoners' + disposal.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Bedding.</i>—The japanned iron bedsteads are + furnished with spring and stuffed mattresses, sheets, blankets, + and pillows. In their arrangement one notices the influence of + personal taste. Embroidered coverlets, hangings and upholstery + give to some of the apartments an aspect of comfort and even of + elegance. The military administration supplies all the + furniture and the regulation bedding, to which the inmates may + add what they like at their own expense.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Dress.</i>—The English authorities supply women and + children with all their linen and other clothing.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Food.</i>—Provisioning is a private enterprise, + carried out under a contract. The food is the same for all + classes, and is unlimited in quantity. The women are given as + much as they desire of each dish. No complaint was made + concerning the food, which is wholesome and palatable. We + visited the kitchen and sampled the day's menu. Milk in large + quantities is provided for the children. The meals are served + in three well-appointed dining-rooms.</p> + + <p class="list">The hours for meals are:</p> + + <ul> + <li>Breakfast, from 7.30 to 8.30.</li> + + <li>Lunch, from 12.30 to 1.80.</li> + + <li>Supper, from 5.30 to 6.80.</li> + </ul> + + <p><i>Hygiene.</i>—Water is supplied from the town mains. + Lavatories are installed in the corridors near the dormitories. + The inmates may have hot and cold baths every day. As to + laundry work, those of the first class can have it done by + their own servants or pay the third-class women to do it.</p> + + <p>The W.C.'s consist of movable tubs on the Turkish system, + each containing a solution of cresol. They are emptied daily by + contract into the citadel cesspool, which communicates with the + main sewer of Cairo.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Medical Care and Illnesses.</i>—The Head Physician, + Captain Scrimgeour, comes to the camp every day; a Greek doctor + also visits it four times a week at 9 o'clock in the morning. + These two doctors both speak Turkish and Arabic fluently. Three + trained nurses and an English midwife take charge of the + infirmary. As Moslems usually have very good teeth, the + services of a dentist are not often needed.</p> + + <p>The infirmary is very commodious. It consists of a + consulting-room, with a couch for examinations; a surgery, and + a sick ward.</p> + + <p>In the infirmary register the name, the disease, the + treatment and the course of the illness are all duly noted.</p> + + <p>When the internment camp was opened a hundred prisoners + applied for treatment daily; many had suffered great privations + previous to their capture. At the present time only 5 or 10 + patients take advantage of the doctor's visit; and these are + mild cases, chiefly bronchitis, constipation, diarrhoea, and + eye affections among women and children, and some cases of + heart affections and chronic bronchitis among the old + people.</p> + + <p>There is neither malaria, dysentery nor typhus in the camp, + and no epidemic malady. An early case of tuberculosis, without + Koch's bacillus in the sputa, was cured.</p> + + <p>On the day of our visit to the infirmary we found 5 patients + in bed or crouched in the oriental manner upon their bedsteads; + 1 suffering from senile paralysis, 2 from bronchitis, 1 from + inflammation of the ears, and 1 from general debility.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Maternity.</i>—Confinements not being uncommon, it + was necessary to establish a maternity ward. There were 5 + births during the last three months of 1915. Two more occurred + upon the day we inspected the camp, mothers and infants doing + well.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Deaths.</i>—Up to that time there had only been one + death at the Citadel Camp, that of a baby prematurely born, + which died from debility at the age of 18 days.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Education.</i>—A school has been started in the + camp, and all boys as well as girls up to 12 years old are + obliged to attend it. A mistress teaches them Turkish and + Arabic, and also gives them half an hour's instruction in + English daily.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Religious Services.</i>—The imaum came once to hold + a Mahometan service, but the interned women expressed no desire + that he should repeat his visit. However, an old woman, chosen + from among them, reads the Koran aloud upon feast days.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Intellectual Diversions.</i>—The women seem to have + no needs or desires on this score. They pass their days in + talking and smoking.</p> + + <p>The camp has been presented with a gramophone.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Work.</i>—This is absolutely voluntary. The head + nurse has organised a little dressmaking class, the wife of a + former president, Sir B. McMahon, having given her £10 + with which to buy the necessary materials. The results will be + divided equally among those who did the work, but as most of + the women have plenty of money they are not energetic over + it.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Money.</i>—Many of those interned had money on + them, sometimes a large amount, when captured; the whole of + which has been left in their hands. They often send money + through the agency of British officers to their husbands who + are prisoners in Maadi Camp, or at Sidi Bishr, near Alexandria. + Others, on the contrary, receive allowances from their + husbands. Some money orders have also come through the + International Red Cross Committee.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Correspondence.</i>—Each person interned has the + chance of writing once a week; those who do not know how to + write get help from their companions. An interpreter is + attached to the camp. Many letters arrive through the medium of + the International Red Cross Committee, but the exchange of + correspondence is not generally very active.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Wishes of the Interned.</i>—Some of the women + express a wish to see their husbands more often, at least once + a month; others wish to see their sons or brothers who are + prisoners at Maadi or at Sidi Bishr. This being a legitimate + and comprehensible desire, the English Government has several + times already allowed the husbands to come from these camps (4 + hours distant by train) to spend three or four days with their + wives in the Citadel. A part of the building containing 12 + rooms has been reserved for these visits. But it would clearly + be impossible to permit these indulgences often, as they entail + considerable expense, and require much organisation and + surveillance.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Repatriation.</i>—Some of the women beg to be sent + back to Turkey, which the British Government has already + offered to do. Many, on the other hand, prefer to remain in + Cairo. The American chargé d'affaires in Egypt, M. + Knabenschuh, is considering this question. He has visited the + camp several times, and has transmitted different propositions + of the English Government to the Sublime Porte. The first offer + was to repatriate the interned women and children by means of + an American vessel, which would land them at the port of + Mersina in Asia Minor. The second was to take them back to + Turkey in an English hospital ship, which should at the same + time carry medical supplies, food and clothing to the English + prisoners in Asia Minor, and bring away about 25 English ladies + who had been made prisoners in Mesopotamia. Finally, the + English Government offered to repatriate the Turkish women + without any reciprocity conditions. Unhappily, up to now all + these proposals have borne no fruit. The English Government + sincerely desires to be freed from the maintenance and + surveillance of these people, whom it took under its care + merely for reasons of humanity.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Special Inquiry at the Citadel Camp.</i>—During our + visit to the Maadi Camp, Dr. Suleïman Bey, head physician + at Taïf, a town of the Hedjaz, told us that he had + personally nothing to complain of in the camp treatment, but + that his wife and children, interned in the Cairo Citadel, were + suffering greatly from the conditions there. What he especially + criticised was the diet and the medical attendance. These + complaints, made in much detail, seemed to us to deserve a + specific inquiry, and we went again to the Citadel next day. We + closely cross-questioned Mme. S. and another of the ladies. Her + replies, collected and confronted with the official data, our + personal observations, and the testimony of the other interned, + absolutely convinced us that Dr. Suleïman's accusations + had no real foundation. Mme. S. assured us that meat was only + provided three times weekly. We have proof that meat is served + six times each week, a quarter of an English pound being + supplied to each person. After telling us that the cheese and + olives were of the worst quality, she finished by owning that + she only found the cheese too salt and the olives monotonous. + Mme. S., who purchased coffee, biscuits, fruit and bonbons at + the canteen, would not touch ordinary bread because it was not + good enough for her. This bread, which is provided by the best + bakery in Cairo, is served fresh twice a day to whoever desires + it. Mme. S. has enough money to buy any food that she wishes, + either from the canteen or by ordering it in from the town. Her + companions, less rich and less dainty, find the food provided + by the camp kitchen both excellent and abundant.</p> + + <p>As Dr. Suleïman Bey complained that his two sick + children, interned at the Citadel with their mother, received + no medical care, they were examined by Dr. Blanchod. The one + suffered on its arrival in camp from ophthalmia, now completely + cured, no trace of photophobia remains, no redness nor oedema; + the other had its sub-maxillary glands enlarged; these glands + are now reduced and nothing to worry about.</p> + + <p>These two children have received constant care from (Dr.) + Captain Scrimgeour, their names are repeatedly entered in the + infirmary register, and their mother herself expressed + gratitude for the care which had been lavished upon them.</p> + + <p>Dr. Suleïman Bey's complaints upon this point therefore + proved equally inexact.</p><a name="Chapter65"></a> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>6. The Ras-el-Tin Camp.</h2> + + <h3><i>(Visited January 5, 1917.)</i></h3> + + <p>This camp of interned civilians is situated on a rising + ground beside the sea, 5 kilometres (3 miles) from + Alexandria.</p> + + <p>The camp contains 45 Ottoman civilians of military age, and + 24 others; the latter are all elderly men, or have been + exempted from military service owing to illness. There is one + priest (imaum). We also found 400 Austro-Germans interned at + Ras-el-Tin; many of them had been in Egypt when war was + declared and could not get home.</p> + + <p>Though our mission was to visit the Turkish prisoners, we + made a point of concerning ourselves equally with the Austrians + and Germans, and of entering into conversation with them.</p> + + <p>Several Ottoman prisoners in the camp were making the + pilgrimage to Mecca when they were captured by the Sherif's + troops and passed over to the English authorities, who interned + them. The camp at Ras-el-Tin was to be evacuated in a few days' + time, and all the occupants were to be transferred to Sidi + Bishr Camp, now prepared to accommodate 5,000 men. In this camp + there will be a special section for civilians.</p> + + <p>The commandant of Ras-el-Tin is Major F.G. Owens, who takes + the greatest interest in his prisoners. Every day he personally + receives anyone who has a wish or a complaint to bring + forward.</p> + + <p>The camp was visited in 1916 by the American Consul from + Alexandria, and also by the American chargé d'affaires + from Athens.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Accommodation.</i>—The civilians interned in the + camp of Ras-el-Tin are placed in tents. These circular tents, + set up either on the sand or on a cement base, each contain + three men. Those of the Ottoman prisoners form one sectional + group of 24 tents. In the centre of each tent is a wire-work + cupboard to contain personal belongings. The space inside the + tent is ample for the three beds. Some prisoners are provided + with matting and small rugs.</p> + + <p>In the stone buildings surrounding the court a certain + number of rooms are reserved which open upon a veranda. Each + contains three beds. These comfortably fitted-up chambers are + assigned to elderly prisoners or to those in weak health. The + rest of the camp buildings are occupied by the administrative + quarters, the kitchens, refectories, canteens, etc. The English + guard is lodged under canvas in a special section. The camp is + lighted by electricity.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Bedding.</i>—The bedsteads are iron provided with a + wire-spring mattress, a squab of vegetable fibre and a + sufficient number of blankets. All the bedding is kept + scrupulously clean.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Food.</i>—The commissariat is supplied by a private + contractor. A committee presided over by the camp commandant, + and composed of delegates from among the prisoners, arrange the + menus for each week. The kitchen is very clean, and the + prisoners do not provide the personnel.</p> + + <p class="list">Here is the menu for Friday, January 5, 1917, + the day of our visit:</p> + + <ul> + <li><i>Breakfast</i>: Porridge; milk; chocolate; butter; + bread.</li> + + <li><i>Lunch</i>: Haricot soup; ragoût of beef and + potatoes.</li> + + <li><i>Dinner</i>: Rice soup; hashed meat (moussaka), with + vegetables; eggs; tea.</li> + </ul> + + <p>The prisoners' menu is extended on Thursdays and Sundays by + an extra dish and cake of some sort. We examined the day's + provision in the kitchen, and found it wholesome and + appetising. When pork is included in the menu, which happens + rarely, this item is replaced, in the case of the Turkish + prisoners, by a dish of eggs and vegetables.</p> + + <p>A second kitchen staff, installed in a separate room, + prepares a special menu which the prisoners can have by paying + for it. The commandant himself authorised the reservation of + this kitchen to provide for such prisoners as possess ample + means.</p> + + <p class="list">Here is the extra menu for January 5, 1917:</p> + + <ul> + <li><i>Lunch</i>: Italian dumplings; roast veal; salad and + gherkins.</li> + + <li><i>Dinner</i>: Soup "parmentier"; fish croquettes; + braised beef with cabbage.</li> + </ul> + + <p class="list">The meals are served at:</p> + + <ul> + <li>Breakfast, half-past seven.</li> + + <li>Lunch, one o'clock.</li> + + <li>Dinner, half-past five.</li> + </ul> + + <p>Three canteens furnish all kinds of commodities to the + prisoners—ham, sausages, preserves, cakes, chocolate, + fruits, wine, beer, etc. The prices are exactly the same as in + the English army canteens. A shop, run by a Bulgarian merchant, + is permitted for the sale of tobacco, cigars and cigarettes. + Besides this there is a Viennese who makes cigarettes in the + camp itself. On Christmas Day the commandant made a generous + distribution of cigarettes to all the interned men at his own + expense. They can also obtain at the bar tea, coffee and other + drinks. In point of fact, we made sure that the camp + administration has organised the commissariat in a manner that + meets all needs.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Clothing.</i>—The men arrived in camp in their own + clothes. When these began to wear out the administration + furnished a new outfit, which consists of two flannel shirts, + two knitted pairs of drawers, a vest and trousers of blue + cloth, an overcoat, a police hat or a fez for the Turks, socks + and slippers. The Mahometans receive Turkish slippers. All + prisoners have a red scarf and two handkerchiefs. A well-found + shop sells under-clothing at moderate prices, and articles of + outfit, scent, post-cards and watches.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Hygiene.</i>—Drinking water, abundant and + wholesome, is brought from the mains of the town of Alexandria. + Besides the toilet lavatories, there are 4 bathrooms supplied + with hot water and cold douches always available. The prisoners + go in parties to bathe in the sea near the camp, under guard of + British soldiers.</p> + + <p>The prisoners do their own washing, numerous wash-houses + being provided for the purpose.</p> + + <p>The latrines are partly on the English and partly on the + Turkish system, 1 to every 10 men, cleanly kept. They are + disinfected daily. The floor and the lower part of the chambers + are treated with cresol; the upper part is whitewashed. The + sewers discharge into the sea. The sweepings are burnt in a + special stove.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Medical Attention.</i>—The sanitary condition of + the camp is inspected at regular intervals by the Colonel, + medical director of Hospital No. 21, Alexandria. Captain (Dr.) + Dunne is resident in the camp; he pays a medical visit each day + at 9 o'clock. Eight to ten prisoners out of the total in camp + may present themselves for treatment, among them 1 or 2 + Ottomans.</p> + + <p>An interned Turkish civilian, Abrahim Assan, by calling an + employee in a Constantinople factory, who speaks French and + English perfectly, serves as orderly-interpreter.</p> + + <p>An English Red Cross orderly assists the doctor. An Austrian + dentist, formerly in business at Cairo, gives dental attention + to the prisoners; he has a complete outfit of instruments.</p> + + <p>The infirmary is well housed in a stone building. It + contains a consulting-room, supplied with a full-flushed + lavatory basin; a sick ward with 6 iron beds, mattress and + coverings <i>ad libitum</i>; an isolation ward, and a + dispensary.</p> + + <p>Only slight cases are treated at the infirmary; serious + cases are removed to Hospital No. 21 at Alexandria, situated + within 10 minutes of the camp, a large modern hospital + overlooking the sea.</p> + + <p>On the day of our inspection there were in the infirmary 1 + prisoner ill with bronchitis; at the hospital 1 tuberculous + case and 1 with a wounded elbow.</p> + + <p>The sanitary state of the camp has always been excellent. + Apart from two relapse cases of dysentery in 1916, there has + been neither trachoma, typhoid, typhus, malaria, nor any other + infectious disease. This is explained by the fact that the + interned civilians were not in bad health before their + captivity, as was the case with soldiers who had sojourned in + the desert, whom we saw in the other Egyptian camps.</p> + + <p>There had been no deaths in the camp or at the hospital in + Alexandria. The orderly, Abrahim Hassan, told us of his own + accord that the sick receive the most assiduous attention, and + have nothing but praise for the resident physician.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Religion and Amusements.</i>—The prisoners offer + their prayers daily. A mosque will be built for them in the new + camp at Sidi Bishr.</p> + + <p>Catholics are looked after by several Austrian priests, who + used to manage Catholic schools in Upper Egypt.</p> + + <p>For the Germans and Austrians there is a good circulating + library, containing English, French and German books.</p> + + <p>The prisoners have formed an orchestra, and organised + theatrical performances, for which they have painted pretty + scenery.</p> + + <p>There is a cinematograph performance every evening. There + are a piano and harmonium. A photographer, who had an + establishment in Cairo before the war, practises his art in the + camp.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Discipline.</i>—The very occasional cases of + infraction of rules which entail one or more days' detention in + the police cells, have a special diet prescribed for them. The + military authorities find the general conduct of the civilians + quite satisfactory.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Exercise and Sports.</i>—The prisoners have at + their own disposal that part of the grounds lying between the + tents and the barracks, a broad space where they can amuse + themselves all day long with football and other games.</p> + + <p>They have also a tennis-court, of which the Austro-Germans + make more use than the Orientals; a committee of the prisoners + arrange the hours for each set of players. Skittles are very + popular. Fencing is eagerly learned; the English officer who + teaches it being delighted with his pupils' progress. Lessons + in gymnastics, like those in other sports, are optional.</p> + + <p>Periodically a gymkhana is got up, with donkey races, + gymnastic competitions, and the distribution of prizes.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Work.</i>—No work is demanded from the + prisoners.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Correspondence, Money Orders and Parcels.</i>—Very + few money orders are received. The interned Turks are chiefly + illiterate; those whose wives are interned at Cairo, and who + are allowed to occasionally visit them, seldom write, as they + know them to be well treated. Parcels are seldom sent to the + camp, and hitherto no philanthropic society has busied itself + over the necessitous.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Prisoners' Aid.</i>—The only plea which has been + addressed to us by means of the Ottoman interpreter, who speaks + French and English extremely well, comes from a certain number + of destitute prisoners. They wish to have, in addition to the + complete outfit with woollen overcoat supplied by the English + Government, a change of warm garments, which they have not the + means to buy. Many find it difficult to wear the kind of + foot-gear in ordinary use—the heelless leather Turkish + slippers—and wish for laced shoes such as they wear at + home. We asked the interpreter to make out a list of names of + the needy; and after submitting it to the commandant of the + camps for verification, we decided to send him from the Ottoman + Red Cross Fund the sum of 2,000 francs, to provide these + prisoners with the extra garments which they require, and with + shoes and tobacco.</p><a name="Chapter_7"></a> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>7. Sidi Bishr Camp.</h2> + + <h3><i>(Visited on January 6, 1917.)</i></h3> + + <p>The camp of Sidi Bishr is situated 15 kilometres (9-1/2 + miles) to the north-east of Alexandria in a healthy spot on the + sea shore, where the sand dunes form little hillocks + intersected by miniature valleys. Palms are scattered over it, + and it lies open to the fresh breezes. The view from the + highest points of the camp is very extensive. A recently + constructed road for vehicular traffic leads into the camp, all + the appointments of which give the impression that everything + has been done to make the prisoners as comfortable as possible. + A kitchen garden has just been laid out in a sheltered place, + and a flat piece of ground surrounded by palm trees prepared + for games, tennis, football, etc.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Strength.</i>—The camp at Sidi Bishr contains 430 + officers, 60 of whom have been here since February, 1915; 410 + orderlies captured with their officers, on whom they attend, + each officer having 1 orderly; 10 imaums (priests); 20 + civilians, who were captured by the Sherif of Mecca and at once + handed over to the English.</p> + + <p>The commandant of the camp is Lieut.-Colonel Coates.</p> + + <p>The American chargé d'affaires in Egypt has twice + visited the camp.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Accommodation.</i>—The equipment of the camp at + Sidi Bishr not having been entirely completed before our visit + we found some of the buildings still in course of erection. But + the officers' quarters were ready, and lacked nothing except + some furniture, which was daily expected. The barracks, 25 + metres (81 feet) long and 8 metres (20 feet) wide, consisted of + a solid wooden framework, with partitions either of timber or + cement, constructed in the camp by native workmen. A corridor + about 1 metre 75 (6 feet) wide runs all along the front of the + building, and gives access to the chambers. These measure about + 3 metres 50 (14 feet) by 4 metres (17 feet), and 4 metres (17 + feet) from the wooden floor to the ceiling. All the interior + walls are lime-washed. Each room has two windows, glazed and + also covered with wire gauze to exclude insects, and a latched + door. Chimneys rise above the roof, which is of timber covered + with tarred felt.</p> + + <p>According to regulation, the number of occupants of each + chamber depends upon their grade. Officers up to the rank of + captain are quartered four in each dormitory; captains three, + and colonels two. (Some superior officers have each a separate + chamber.) The orderlies are housed elsewhere. All the buildings + are lighted by electricity, generated by a local plant.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Bedding.</i>—The iron beds have wire springs, + mattresses stuffed with vegetable fibre, pillows, and + sufficiency of blankets, to which many officers like to add + curtains and coverlets. The rest of the furniture is adequate, + and easy-chairs are general.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Food.</i>—The officers' mess is run by a + contractor. One of the officers, appointed by his comrades, is + entrusted with arranging the menus and seeing them properly + carried out. No limit is fixed to the choice and quantity of + food. The cost must not exceed 10 piastres (about 2s.) daily, + including tea, coffee, sugar, preserves, etc. The officers can + get any extras which they desire either from the canteen or + from the town, except alcoholic drinks, which are forbidden. + The meat is previously inspected by the veterinary of the + sanitary department. The bread is particularly good. Officers + are given European bread, orderlies native bread. We tasted the + day's menu ourselves. No complaints with regard to food reached + us. The Turkish officers take their meals in two dining-rooms, + each of which seats 150. The tables are covered with cloths; + the china and plate are suitable.</p> + + <p>The orderlies' fare is wholesome and sufficient.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Dress.</i>—The Turkish officers are warmly and + suitably clad. They can procure for themselves all kinds of + toilet articles and other equipment. Most of them wear civilian + costume with a fez. An Alexandria tradesman comes to the camp + to take their orders.</p> + + <p>When inspecting the orderlies we heard some of them complain + of a lack of linen, especially of drawers. Surprised by this, + we made an immediate inquiry, which produced the following + results: the orderlies all received their regulation supply of + linen, and signed a receipt in the register. A certain number + of them subsequently sold the articles to their officers; these + are the men who now complain of a deficiency of linen.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Hygiene.</i>—Abundant and wholesome drinking water + is laid on from the town system. The toilet supply comes to + cement basins provided with many taps. The water from the + lavatories and kitchens empties itself into a lake at some + distance from the camp.</p> + + <p>In the morning the officers use the baths or douches fitted + up close to the barracks, and separated from each other by + woven grass partitions.</p> + + <p>The officers' linen is washed by their orderlies in very + convenient wash-houses built of wood and cement.</p> + + <p>There are 44 Turkish W.C.'s, cemented, at a good distance + from the quarters. They are arranged over cesspools 18 feet + deep, disinfected every day with whitewash and cresol, and are + quite odourless.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Medical Attention.</i>—The health of the inmates of + Sidi Bishr Camp is looked after by an English doctor, Captain + Gillespie, assisted by an Armenian doctor, who practised at + Aleppo in Turkey before the war.</p> + + <p>These two doctors speak Arabic and Turkish.</p> + + <p>An English corporal and 5 English hospital orderlies take + care of the sick.</p> + + <p>Twenty-one Egyptian orderlies do the sanitary work of the + camp; serious cases are sent to the English hospital at + Alexandria. A Turkish Surgeon-Major, Dr. Ibrahim, interned at + the camp, is present at operations performed upon his Ottoman + comrades in the hospital. He expressed himself as entirely + satisfied with the care bestowed upon them.</p> + + <p>The infirmary contains 12 iron bedsteads, with wool + mattresses and blankets. The consulting room is well fitted up, + the cupboards abundantly supplied with drugs. An isolation ward + accommodates infectious cases in the incubation stage. + Bathrooms reserved for the patients adjoin the infirmary, and + there is a kitchen service for preparing special diet.</p> + + <p>Officers troubled by their teeth are taken to a dentist in + Alexandria.</p> + + <p>The prisoners' garments and bedding are sterilised in a + special apparatus.</p> + + <p>All new arrivals pass 14 days in quarantine, in special + quarters in one of the sections of the camp. They are permitted + to join their comrades only when it is certain that they are + free from any contagious malady. At present 36 officers and 34 + orderlies are in quarantine.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Illnesses and Deaths</i>-All officers imprisoned at Sidi + Bishr having been vaccinated against smallpox, typhoid, and + cholera, there are no epidemics in the camp. Three to five + officers come forward each morning when the doctor makes his + rounds. There are perhaps 6 light cases of malaria weekly, 3 to + 5 cases of bacillic dysentery every month, treated with serum; + 1 case of more serious dysentery was sent away to the English + Hospital in Alexandria. In summer there are some mild cases of + diarrhoea. There were 3 cases of trachoma among the officers' + orderlies. Four tuberculous patients, coming from the Hedjaz, + were conveyed to the hospital without any stay at the camp; two + died after 20 and 30 days of treatment respectively. In the + infirmary at Sidi Bishr are now:</p> + + <p>1 officer with a foot wound, 1 suffering from pharyngitis, + and one passing 1/2 per cent. of albumen.</p> + + <p>Some of the Turkish officers were wounded in the war:</p> + + <p>One whose thigh was amputated is provided with a fine + artificial substitute; one who had both bones of the lower arm + fractured, and was operated upon four times, is now well on the + way to recovery.</p> + + <p>One suffering from hemiplegia, owing to a fractured skull, + is now able to move again and to walk with crutches. Another + lame officer is affected by rupture of a main nerve in the + leg.</p> + + <p>Salik Sidki, judge of Mecca, entrusted us with a letter of + thanks to the English authorities, in recognition of the care + which he received at the hospital where he underwent a severe + operation for a chronic affection of the pylorus.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Prisoners' Wishes.</i>—Some officers complained of + not being allowed to go to Alexandria to make their purchases; + but in the circumstances such a request could not be gratified. + On the other hand, a certain number of officers have obtained + permission to go to Cairo and spend a few days with their wives + interned in the Citadel; it is evident that this favour is only + accorded in exceptional cases and cannot be made general. To + extend it equally to sons, brothers and other relations, as + some of the prisoners desire, is clearly impossible.</p> + + <p>The officers were offered two hours' walk every morning + outside the camp, in parties of 26, under the supervision of an + unarmed soldier, on condition of their giving their parole not + to escape. This they refused, declaring that a conditional + proposal was no privilege. They can, however, stroll about + freely inside the limits of the camp, which is very + extensive.</p> + + <p>We received several complaints concerning rain having + recently found its way into the barracks. But the extreme + rarity of such an occurrence makes it of no importance.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Pay.</i>—Officers' pay is fixed by the War Office. + That of lieutenants comes to 5 francs daily, that of captains + to 5 francs 75, that of superior officers is proportionate to + their rank.</p> + + <p>The orderlies, being privates, are not paid. Some of them + receive pay from their officers, others get nothing. Most of + them have some money, but nevertheless we have decided to remit + £20 to the camp commandant for the poorest soldiers' + small needs.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Correspondence.</i>—Prisoners may write as often as + they like, but seldom take advantage of the privilege, and as a + rule receive few letters, which take from 40 to 45 days in + reaching them. Few money orders come to the camp.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Religion and Amusements.</i>—The prisoners have + every chance of worshipping according to their own creed. The + imaums can use a building arranged as a mosque and lighted by + electricity. There is one mosque inside the camp enclosure.</p> + + <p>The camp contains 40 musical instruments; a piano has been + hired for the officers.</p> + + <p>The prisoners play football, tennis, cards and chess. Many + amuse themselves with reading.</p><a name="Chapter_8"></a> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>8. Bilbeis Camp.</h2> + + <h3><i>(Visited on January 16, 1917.)</i></h3> + + <p>Bilbeis Camp is situated 65 kilometres (40-1/2 miles) to the + north-east of Cairo, on the confines of the cultivated land of + the Delta. Founded in the month of August, 1916, it now + contains 540 prisoners grouped as follows:</p><br> + + + <p><i>First Division.</i>—One hundred and thirty-five + Bedouins from the East and the Sinai peninsula, and civilians + coming from El Arish; 9 Arab soldiers of the Ottoman army; 5 + Turkish soldiers from Syria; 30 Egyptians.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Second Division.</i>—One hundred and seventy-five + Senoussi and soldiers from Tripoli; 185 Bedouins from the West, + and civilian prisoners of divers nationalities.</p> + + <p>Among these prisoners are included several young boys who + have relatives among the interned. The characteristic of this + camp is the diversity of nationalities herein represented. + Though the number of Turks is restricted, we thought it wise to + visit this camp in order to assure ourselves that the treatment + of the prisoners is the same as in other Egyptian camps.</p> + + <p>The camp commandant is Colonel Collins.</p> + + <p>The camp is surrounded by a barbed wire fence.</p> + + <p>The prisoners are lodged under canvas, 8 men to a tent. At + the present time two great barracks of timber framework and + reeds are being erected, each large enough to contain 250 men. + Their dimensions ensure perfect ventilation. The sandy soil + shows no trace of damp. Between the tents little gardens are + laid out wherein, thanks to the abundant water, the prisoners + can grow flowers and vegetables.</p> + + <p>The camp is lighted by paraffin reflector lamps.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Bedding.</i>—Mats of plaited rush. Two blankets per + man.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Exercise.</i>—The dimensions of the camp leave + large clear spaces where the prisoners can walk at their + pleasure.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Food.</i>—Cooking is done by the prisoners + themselves, provisions being supplied by the administration. + The quantities are the same as in the other camps. The menu + consists of: meat, bread, butter, cheese, lentils, fresh + vegetables, onions, rice, etc. The prisoners whom we + interrogated, either personally or through the medium of an + interpreter, declared that they were well fed. A little + canteen, set up in a tent apart, provides them with such small + luxuries as tea, sugar, and so on, at a moderate price. The + prisoners get tobacco regularly. Each man has a plate, an + enamelled bowl, and a spoon.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Dress.</i>—The prisoners have all received a + complete outfit. Their clothing was clean and warm. The mending + of linen and outer garments is done by tailor prisoners, + working in a tent provided for the purpose. Their headdress is + the fez or a red cap.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Hygiene.</i>—Drinking water is distributed + everywhere throughout the camp by means of pipes well supplied + with taps. Water for washing purposes is abundantly distributed + to the lavatories, douches and bathing-places.</p> + + <p>The prisoners do their washing in well-fitted wash-houses; a + movable furnace facilitates the weekly disinfection of all the + prisoners' effects.</p> + + <p>The latrines, on the Turkish system, consist of movable + tubs, emptied each day by means of a "shadouf," and then + disinfected with cresol and whitewash. There are no smells in + the camp.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Medical Attention.</i>—Dr. Ibrahim Zabaji, a Syrian + refugee doctor, undertakes the medical charge. His work is + supervised twice a week by Lieut.-Colonel Garner and Captain + Scrimgeour.</p> + + <p>There are 3 Turkish orderlies and 1 Coptic orderly.</p> + + <p>The infirmary is clean and well appointed. It is sub-divided + into 4 quarters: the consulting room, dispensary, sick ward and + isolation ward.</p> + + <p>The beds are iron with wire springs, the mattresses stuffed + with vegetable fibre, the number of blankets not limited.</p> + + <p>All the men have been vaccinated against smallpox and + cholera. We learned from the infirmary registers that 30-40 men + attend daily at 8 o'clock, the doctor's visiting hour.</p> + + <p>The advanced age of many of the prisoners, who are suffering + from chronic affections, accounts for this large + attendance.</p> + + <p>The day we visited the infirmary it contained 8 patients: 3 + cases of malaria, 3 cases of bronchial pneumonia, and 2 cases + of dysentery.</p> + + <p>As soon as they arrived in camp 25 men were attacked with + tertian malaria; 15 are cured, 10 are still being treated with + quinine. Of 7 attacked with dysentery 5 are now cured.</p> + + <p>Ten men were suffering from trachoma and are still being + treated with protargol.</p> + + <p>There has been no typhoid fever, nor typhus, nor any other + epidemic in the camp.</p> + + <p>The serious cases are sent to the Egyptian hospital at + Zagazig, where they are looked after by native doctors. There + are 4 prisoners now in hospital: 1 eye case, 1 of tuberculosis, + 1 of bronchitis, and 2 feverish patients under observation.</p> + + <p>Six prisoners have died in the hospital since the camp was + established here. One had tumour on the brain, 2 chronic + enteritis, 1 tuberculosis, and 1 an intestinal obstruction. The + dead were buried with military honours and according to the + rites of their religion.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Work.</i>—With the exception of fatigue duties, + nothing is required from the prisoners besides a little light + work in the gardens near the camp. Some of them make small + articles which are sold for their benefit.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Correspondence.</i>—The number of illiterates being + very high (98 per cent.), letters are comparatively few. The + prisoners are allowed to write three times a week, and a + certain number of them get more educated comrades to write for + them. Correspondence is practically impossible for those who + belong to nomadic tribes.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Religion.</i>—Except one Copt, all the prisoners + are Mahometans. There are many imaums among them. Religious + exercises are practised freely and regularly.</p><br> + + + <p><i>Discipline and Behaviour.</i>—There are no + complaints as to discipline, and no attempts to escape have + taken place. Despite racial diversities, few quarrels take + place among the prisoners, and the authorities seldom need to + interfere. We spoke to an old and infirm sheik who is treated + with particular regard and has a tent to himself; he told us + that he is in every way satisfied.</p><a name= + "Conclusions"></a> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>CONCLUSIONS</h2> + + <p>The Red Cross International Committee, at Geneva, has since + the beginning of the war organised visits to the camps of + prisoners of war and of civilian prisoners in the various + belligerent countries.</p> + + <p>The members of the mission sent to Egypt, MM. Dr. F. + Blanched, E. Schoch, and F. Thormeyer, had already inspected + camps in Germany, France, Morocco and Russia. They may be + allowed to compare the treatment of the Egyptian prisoners with + what they had seen elsewhere.</p> + + <p>We express our deep gratitude to the English authorities for + all the facilities which they gave us for the accomplishment of + our mission.</p> + + <p>We will now sum up the whole set of observations made by + us.</p> + + <p>We visited the camps of Heliopolis, Maadi, the Citadel of + Cairo, Ras-el-Tin, Sidi Bishr, and the hospitals of Abbassiah + and the Egyptian Red Cross.</p> + + <p>The camps are situated in healthy localities, and their + dimensions are amply sufficient for the population that they + hold. The accommodation seems to us exactly suited to the + conditions of the country and climate. Whether barracks are + specially constructed for the prisoners, or stone buildings are + adapted to their use, these results are obtained.</p> + + <p>Ventilation is sufficient everywhere. Measures of protection + against the cold, so difficult to render effective in other + countries, are unimportant here, owing to the mildness of the + climate. Both boarded and beaten earth floors are kept + perfectly clean.</p> + + <p>The bedding of the prisoners of war (non-commissioned + officers and privates) is composed of plaited rush mats, such + as they are accustomed to use when at home. These mats are + regularly cleansed, and replaced as they wear out. The + officers, civilian prisoners and sick are provided with iron + spring beds, and mattresses generally stuffed with vegetable + fibre. For hospitals and officers, pillows and coverlets are + also supplied.</p> + + <p>The blankets assigned to each prisoner vary from 3 to 5, a + number which we have never seen equalled in other places.</p> + + <p>As to clothing, the military authorities furnish the men + with all that is necessary: 2 pairs of drawers, 2 flannel + shirts, 2 pairs of socks, a woollen belt, 1 neckerchief, 1 pair + of trousers, a tunic of blue cloth (or beige) and a cloak. All + these garments are warm, clean, and of good quality. All the + Turks wear the national head-covering, the fez. Decorations are + allowed to be worn unrestrictedly. Owing to the date of our + visit we were not able to inspect the summer outfit, but the + prisoners told us that in the hot season they wore blue linen + suits.</p> + + <p>The civilian prisoners whose personal belongings were worn + out received a complete equipment.</p> + + <p>The interned civilians were decently and sufficiently + clothed.</p> + + <p>Officers can order their clothes at their own expense from + the town tailors.</p> + + <p>The private soldiers all wear the oriental slippers; + non-commissioned officers are given high-lows. All necessaries + for repairs are provided by the camp administration.</p> + + <p>Everywhere we found the prisoners adequately and suitably + dressed. No external mark shows their position as prisoners of + war, except a metal medallion attached to the tunic.</p> + + <p>We can assert that the commissariat of the Egyptian + prisoners leaves nothing to be desired. The fact that the + prisoners prepare their own food insures them a diet suitable + to their tastes and customs. The quantities supplied are + calculated upon a very liberal scale. The quality, whether of + bread, meat or vegetables, is excellent and constant.</p> + + <p>The officers' mess is entrusted to private contract. They + arrange their own menu. The daily board is very moderate. + Well-stocked canteens enable them to obtain additions at prices + fixed by the authorities.</p> + + <p>The sick in hospital have a regimen suited to their + condition prescribed by the doctors. The milk provided is of + excellent quality.</p> + + <p>The health department is remarkably well organised + everywhere. Drinking water and water for washing purposes are + equally abundant. There is an <i>ad libitum</i> supply for + douches and baths in every camp. The arrangements for + laundering linen are very efficient.</p> + + <p>Each camp is provided with a disinfecting furnace, linen and + upper garments being sterilised once weekly. There are no + vermin anywhere. Special pains are taken over the cleansing of + prisoners newly arrived from the front. The result of these + measures and of the system of vaccination is seen in the entire + freedom of the camps from epidemics.</p> + + <p>Turkish or English latrines are sufficient in number, + odourless, and regularly disinfected.</p> + + <p>In every camp medical attention is given by a staff of + first-class English physicians, assisted by Armenian or Syrian + doctors; hospital orderlies keep the quarters in perfect order. + The infirmaries are spacious, well lighted, thoroughly stocked + with drugs and with surgical apparatus and dressings.</p> + + <p>If dentistry be needed, which is rare among Ottomans, it is + supplied by dentists from the town or resident in the + camps.</p> + + <p>Cases of mutilation are provided with artificial limbs.</p> + + <p>An examination of the medical register in all the camps has + convinced us of their good sanitary condition. The small number + of sick, and the slight character of the ailments, corroborate + what we have ourselves observed from the hygienic point of + view. The death-rate is very low.</p> + + <p>Deceased prisoners are interred with military honours and + according to the rites of their religion.</p> + + <p>The space enclosed within the camps permits the prisoners to + enjoy walking exercise as well as outdoor games.</p> + + <p>The English military authorities have not sanctioned + compulsory work for prisoners. Except for sanitary fatigue + duties, prisoners have the whole disposal of their own time. + The numerous complaints provoked in other countries by forced + labour are entirely absent among the Ottoman prisoners in + Egypt.</p> + + <p>Imaums take religious charge, and the prisoners have full + liberty to carry out their daily worship.</p> + + <p>Correspondence is less active than elsewhere owing to the + large proportion of illiterate prisoners. Letters are long on + the road because of the great distances traversed. The + censorship is carried out in a liberal spirit and gives rise to + no complaints. Money orders sent from Turkey are paid in full; + but their number, as well as that of parcels, is + restricted.</p> + + <p>Assaults and corporal punishment are totally unknown in the + camps. The only disciplinary penalty, very seldom applied, + consists of arrest for a period fixed by the military + authorities. We were happy to learn that the discipline of the + Turkish prisoners is excellent. Their own commissariat officers + exercise a good influence. We were ourselves struck by the + correct bearing of the men and their good humour. They fully + appreciate the English authorities' kindness to them.</p> + + <p>To sum up, our conviction, based upon careful + investigations, is that the inspectors, commandants and + officers of the camps treat the prisoners with humanity and do + all in their power to soften their lot.</p> + + <p>We form the impression that the English Government's + proposals concerning repatriation of the interned civilians + will soon bear fruit; and we hope that this measure will be + extended to all mutilated prisoners of war.</p><br> + + + <p style="margin-left: 1em;">CAIRO, <i>January, 1917.</i></p> + + <p style="margin-left: 3em; margin-bottom: 0;">The Delegates of + the Red Cross International Committee.</p> + + <ul style="margin-left: 6em;"> + <li>Dr. F. BLANCHOD.</li> + + <li>F. THORMEYER.</li> + + <li>EMMANUEL SCHOCH.</li> + </ul> + <hr class="chapter"> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10589 ***</div> +</body> +</html> |