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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/10589-0.txt b/10589-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fd30414 --- /dev/null +++ b/10589-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1932 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10589 *** + +TURKISH PRISONERS IN EGYPT + +A Report By The Delegates Of The International Committee Of The Red +Cross + +_Extracted and translated from the Official Reports of the Red Cross +Society_ + +_(Documents publiés à l'occasion de la Guerre Européenne, 1914-1917)_ + +Published in 1917 + + + + +_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._ + + + + +Turkish Prisoners in Egypt + +~INTRODUCTION~ + + +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 +_Morea_, 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. + +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. + +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. + + + + +~1. Heliopolis Camp.~ + +_(Visited on January 2, 1917.)_ + + +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. + + +_Strength._--3,906 Turkish non-commissioned officers and men. + +3 Turkish soldiers of the Sanitary Corps. + +2 Armenian doctors (officers in the Turkish Army). + +The camp is arranged to hold a total population of 15,000 men. A +barbed-wire fencing separates it from adjoining property. + + +_Accommodation._--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. + + +_Bedding._--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. + + +_Exercise._--The space left between the barracks of the separate +sections is amply sufficient for exercise, which is quite unrestricted +during the regulation hours. + + +_Food._--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: + + 5 a.m.; 11 a.m.; and 4 p.m. + +The last meal is the principal one of the day. + +We have examined the various food materials given the prisoners and +found them to be of excellent quality. + +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. + +Each prisoner receives 42-1/2 grammes of cigarettes and two boxes of +matches every week; two lbs. of firewood per day; and soap. + +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. + +The calculation is based on a period of six months (in winter). + + £ s. d. + Clothing and linen 3 0 0 + Periodical renovation of winter + clothes 0 6 6 + Renovation of linen, footwear, + and towels (twice) 1 10 0 + Food at actual contract prices 5 0 0 + Tobacco 0 12 6 + Wood (average price) 0 7 6 + Lighting (as for Maadi Camp) 0 2 0 + Water filtration (Maadi) 0 0 6 + ------------- + Total £10 19 0 + ============= + +Depreciation of buildings, fittings, blankets and other things provided +is not included in these figures. + + +_Canteen._--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. + +The men receive 2 ounces of tobacco free every week. They never get +alcohol. + + +_Clothing._--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. + +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. + +All men wear indoors leather slippers of the Eastern kind. Shoes are +used only by prisoners engaged on gardening, and by non-commissioned +officers. + +Linen, clothes and footwear are renewed on fixed dates or according to +need. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + +Water is supplied from the Heliopolis town mains, is of good quality, +and is provided in sufficient quantities. + +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 _ad libitum_. + +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. + +Ten Turkish barbers are occupied in cutting the hair of prisoners and +shaving them in a well-managed barber's shop. + +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. + + +_Medical attention._--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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +Four prisoners are suffering from trachoma of old standing. Recent cases +are ordinary ailments, bronchitis and simple diarrhoea. + +As a general rule the camp prisoners look well, have a good colour and +are well nourished. + +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. + +There is no typhoid fever in the camp, nor exanthematic typhus, nor any +other infectious disease. + + +_Work._--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. + +In any case, corporals and sergeants are not allowed to work. + + +_Religion and Recreation._--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. + + +_Correspondence._--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. + +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. + + +_Prisoners' Aid._--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. + + +_Prisoners' Behaviour._--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. + +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. + +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. + + + + +~2. Hospital No. 2, at Abbassiah, near Cairo.~ + +_(Visited on January 2, 1917.)_ + + +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. + + +_Clothing._--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. + + +_Dressings._--The hospital drug department is well stocked. The wounded +are supplied with surgical appliances, and with artificial limbs of the +most perfect make. + +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. + + +_Special Quarters._--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 _anopheles_ 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. + +Cases of venereal disease are also confined to separate premises. + +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. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + +The latrines are on the Turkish plan, with automatic water-flush, and +discharge into the town drainage. + + +_Food._--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. + +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. + +1. FULL DIET. + _Breakfast_: Bread; milk. + _Lunch_: Meat stew; vegetables; rice; bread. + _Supper_: Bread; soup; rice; milk. + _Extra, when ordered_: Chicken; pigeon; rabbit; butchers' + meat; lemons; eggs; cheese; curdled milk. + +2. MILK DIET. + _Breakfast_: Bread; milk. + _Lunch_: Soup; bread; milk; rice. + _Supper_: Bread; milk; sugar. + +The quantities of food allowed to invalids are given below: + + _Diet for + _Ordinary _Milk Fever + Diet. Diet. Patients. + grm._ grm._ grm._ + + Native bread (baladi) 937 625 + Beef 115 100 + Vegetables 120 + Rice 115 50 + Milk 200 800 1,200 + Fat 20 + Sugar 20 25 + Salt 15 5 + Pepper 3 1 + Onions 20 + Tomatoes 10 + +We examined all these provisions and found them to be excellent in +quality. + + +_Sickness._--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. + + Turks Bulgarians Germans + Tuberculosis 27 0 0 + Bacillar dysentery 37 3 2 + Malaria 3 0 0 + War wounds 74 2 4 + Anaemia and weakness 30 12 5 + Various 96 5 0 + --- --- --- + Totals 267 22 11 + === === === + +There is no epidemic disease in the hospital. + + +_Deaths._--Sixty-six Turkish prisoners died in the Abbassiah hospital +between August 8, 1916, and January 1, 1917. + + From Dysentery 45 + " Tuberculosis 9 + " Beri-beri 1 + " Malaria 1 + " War wounds 9 + " Typhoid fever 1 + --- + 66 + === + +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. + +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. + + + + +~3. Maadi Camp.~ + +_(Visited on January 3, 1917.)_ + + +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. + + +_Strength._--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. + +No officers are interned in this camp. Three imaums (priests) were not +classed with the officers, as they had served as privates. + +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. + +The camp is divided into 41 sections and 4 quarters. The last are +divided off from one another by barbed wire fences. + + +_Accommodation._--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. + +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. + +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. + + +_Sleeping Accommodation._--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. + + +_Food._--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 _baladi_ 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. + + +_Clothing._--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. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + +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. + +Prisoners get plenty of soap and wash their own linen on wooden tables +arranged under water taps. + +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. + +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. + + +_Medical Attention._--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. + +The infirmary included three well-appointed quarters built in masonry, +and able to hold 40 patients. + +The infirmary bedding accommodation consists of iron bedsteads with +spring mattress and stuffed mattress. The blankets are warm and +unlimited in number. + + +_Illness._--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. + +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. + +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. + +All prisoners are inoculated against smallpox, typhoid and cholera. + + +_The Severely Wounded and those who have lost Limbs._--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. + + +_Deaths._--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. + + +_Exercise._--No limit is placed upon the time during which exercise may +be taken in the open space round the barracks. + + +_Work._--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. + + +_Discipline._--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. + + +_Right to Make Complaints._--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. + + +_Religion._--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. + + +_Games and Recreations._--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. + + +_Correspondence._--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. + + +_Help for Prisoners._--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. + + +_Mentality._--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. + + + + +~4. The Egyptian Red Cross Hospital at Cairo~. + +_(Visited on January 4, 1917.)_ + + +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. + + +_Sanitary Staff._--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. + +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. + +Thirty-two orderlies do the ward work. + + +_Accommodation._--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. + + +_Bedding._--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. + + +_Food._--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. + +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: + +FOR OFFICERS. + _Breakfast_: European bread; fresh milk; 3 eggs; tea; coffee. + _Lunch_: Mutton; two dishes of vegetables, or macaroni rice; + salad; rice pudding; coffee; fruit. + _Dinner_: The same as lunch, but without fruit. + +ORDINARY DIET. + _Breakfast_: Arab bread; sweetened fresh milk. + _Lunch_: Arab bread; beef; rice, vegetables. + _Dinner_: Arab bread; rice soup; rice pudding. + +MILK DIET. + _Breakfast_: Bread, 350 grm.; sweetened milk. + _Lunch_: Arab bread; soup; beef-tea; rice pudding. + _Dinner_: Bread, 350 grm.; sweetened milk. + +FEVER DIET. + _Breakfast_: Milk, 400 grm., without sugar. + _Lunch_: 400 grm. of milk without sugar. + _Dinner_: 400 grm. of milk without sugar. + +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. + + +_Clothing._--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. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + + +_Special Quarters._--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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + + +_Sickness._--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. + +There are at the present time 149 prisoners under treatment, 8 Ottoman +officers and 141 soldiers, distributed as follows: + +Surgical cases (wounds): 66; among them 13 invalids and 6 who have +undergone amputation and have been detained a long time in the hospital. + +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. + +Eye affections: 25. + +Consumptives: 20. + +Which make up the total of 149 cases. + +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. + +_Deaths_: + + Number Number + Cause of Death. of Deaths of Deaths + in 1915. in 1916. + Surgical cases 30 17 + Pleurisy 2 5 + Dysentery 8 19 + Typhoid 1 1 + Pericarditis 1 2 + Pneumonia 3 11 + Pulmonary tuberculosis -- 26 + Intestinal tuberculosis -- 21 + Nephritis -- 5 + Gangrene -- 1 + Hepatitis -- 1 + Pernicious anaemia -- 1 + --- --- + Total 45 110 + === === + +The dead were buried in the Musulman cemetery with military honours, +such comrades as were well enough attending the ceremony. + + + + +~5. The Cairo Citadel Camp.~ + +_(Visited on January 3, 1917.)_ + + +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. + +The dates of arrival are as follows: + + Women and Children. + 1st convoy of 123 September 11, 1916 + 2nd " " 66 October 16, 1916 + 3rd " " 26 " 28, 1916 + 4th " " 82 November 7, 1916 + 5th " " 132 " 29, 1916 + + +_Numbers._--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. + +_The Head Matron_ 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. + +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. + + +_Accommodation._--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. + +The 40 inhabited rooms are allotted in three sections, corresponding to +the social classification established for the interned women. + +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. + +An extensive garden is always at the prisoners' disposal. + + +_Bedding._--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. + + +_Dress._--The English authorities supply women and children with all +their linen and other clothing. + + +_Food._--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. + +The hours for meals are: + Breakfast, from 7.30 to 8.30. + Lunch, from 12.30 to 1.80. + Supper, from 5.30 to 6.80. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + +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. + + +_Medical Care and Illnesses._--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. + +The infirmary is very commodious. It consists of a consulting-room, with +a couch for examinations; a surgery, and a sick ward. + +In the infirmary register the name, the disease, the treatment and the +course of the illness are all duly noted. + +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. + +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. + +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. + + +_Maternity._--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. + + +_Deaths._--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. + + +_Education._--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. + + +_Religious Services._--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. + + +_Intellectual Diversions._--The women seem to have no needs or desires +on this score. They pass their days in talking and smoking. + +The camp has been presented with a gramophone. + + +_Work._--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. + + +_Money._--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. + + +_Correspondence._--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. + + +_Wishes of the Interned._--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. + + +_Repatriation._--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. + + +_Special Inquiry at the Citadel Camp._--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. + +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. + +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. + +Dr. Suleïman Bey's complaints upon this point therefore proved equally +inexact. + + + + +~6. The Ras-el-Tin Camp.~ + +_(Visited January 5, 1917.)_ + + +This camp of interned civilians is situated on a rising ground beside +the sea, 5 kilometres (3 miles) from Alexandria. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +The camp was visited in 1916 by the American Consul from Alexandria, and +also by the American chargé d'affaires from Athens. + + +_Accommodation._--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. + +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. + + +_Bedding._--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. + + +_Food._--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. + +Here is the menu for Friday, January 5, 1917, +the day of our visit: + _Breakfast_: Porridge; milk; chocolate; butter; bread. + _Lunch_: Haricot soup; ragoût of beef and potatoes. + _Dinner_: Rice soup; hashed meat (moussaka), with vegetables; + eggs; tea. + +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. + +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. + +Here is the extra menu for January 5, 1917: + _Lunch_: Italian dumplings; roast veal; salad and gherkins. + _Dinner_: Soup "parmentier"; fish croquettes; braised beef with cabbage. + +The meals are served at: + Breakfast, half-past seven. + Lunch, one o'clock. + Dinner, half-past five. + +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. + + +_Clothing._--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. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + +The prisoners do their own washing, numerous wash-houses being provided +for the purpose. + +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. + + +_Medical Attention._--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. + +An interned Turkish civilian, Abrahim Assan, by calling an employee in a +Constantinople factory, who speaks French and English perfectly, serves +as orderly-interpreter. + +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. + +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 _ad libitum_; an isolation +ward, and a dispensary. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + + +_Religion and Amusements._--The prisoners offer their prayers daily. A +mosque will be built for them in the new camp at Sidi Bishr. + +Catholics are looked after by several Austrian priests, who used to +manage Catholic schools in Upper Egypt. + +For the Germans and Austrians there is a good circulating library, +containing English, French and German books. + +The prisoners have formed an orchestra, and organised theatrical +performances, for which they have painted pretty scenery. + +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. + + +_Discipline._--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. + + +_Exercise and Sports._--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. + +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. + +Periodically a gymkhana is got up, with donkey races, gymnastic +competitions, and the distribution of prizes. + + +_Work._--No work is demanded from the prisoners. + + +_Correspondence, Money Orders and Parcels._--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. + + +_Prisoners' Aid._--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. + + + + +~7. Sidi Bishr Camp.~ + +_(Visited on January 6, 1917.)_ + + +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. + + +_Strength._--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. + +The commandant of the camp is Lieut.-Colonel Coates. + +The American chargé d'affaires in Egypt has twice visited the camp. + + +_Accommodation._--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. + +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. + + +_Bedding._--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. + + +_Food._--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. + +The orderlies' fare is wholesome and sufficient. + + +_Dress._--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. + +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. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + +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. + +The officers' linen is washed by their orderlies in very convenient +wash-houses built of wood and cement. + +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. + + +_Medical Attention._--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. + +These two doctors speak Arabic and Turkish. + +An English corporal and 5 English hospital orderlies take care of the +sick. + +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. + +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. + +Officers troubled by their teeth are taken to a dentist in Alexandria. + +The prisoners' garments and bedding are sterilised in a special +apparatus. + +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. + + +_Illnesses and Deaths_-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: + +1 officer with a foot wound, 1 suffering from pharyngitis, and one +passing 1/2 per cent. of albumen. + +Some of the Turkish officers were wounded in the war: + +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. + +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. + +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. + + +_Prisoners' Wishes._--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. + +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. + +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. + + +_Pay._--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. + +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. + + +_Correspondence._--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. + + +_Religion and Amusements._--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. + +The camp contains 40 musical instruments; a piano has been hired for +the officers. + +The prisoners play football, tennis, cards and chess. Many amuse +themselves with reading. + + + + +~8. Bilbeis Camp.~ + +_(Visited on January 16, 1917.)_ + + +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: + + +_First Division._--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. + + +_Second Division._--One hundred and seventy-five Senoussi and soldiers +from Tripoli; 185 Bedouins from the West, and civilian prisoners of +divers nationalities. + +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. + +The camp commandant is Colonel Collins. + +The camp is surrounded by a barbed wire fence. + +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. + +The camp is lighted by paraffin reflector lamps. + + +_Bedding._--Mats of plaited rush. Two blankets per man. + + +_Exercise._--The dimensions of the camp leave large clear spaces where +the prisoners can walk at their pleasure. + + +_Food._--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. + + +_Dress._--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. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + +The prisoners do their washing in well-fitted wash-houses; a movable +furnace facilitates the weekly disinfection of all the prisoners' +effects. + +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. + + +_Medical Attention._--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. + +There are 3 Turkish orderlies and 1 Coptic orderly. + +The infirmary is clean and well appointed. It is sub-divided into 4 +quarters: the consulting room, dispensary, sick ward and isolation ward. + +The beds are iron with wire springs, the mattresses stuffed with +vegetable fibre, the number of blankets not limited. + +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. + +The advanced age of many of the prisoners, who are suffering from +chronic affections, accounts for this large attendance. + +The day we visited the infirmary it contained 8 patients: 3 cases of +malaria, 3 cases of bronchial pneumonia, and 2 cases of dysentery. + +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. + +Ten men were suffering from trachoma and are still being treated with +protargol. + +There has been no typhoid fever, nor typhus, nor any other epidemic in +the camp. + +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. + +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. + + +_Work._--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. + + +_Correspondence._--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. + + +_Religion._--Except one Copt, all the prisoners are Mahometans. There +are many imaums among them. Religious exercises are practised freely and +regularly. + + +_Discipline and Behaviour._--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. + + + + +~CONCLUSIONS~ + + +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. + +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. + +We express our deep gratitude to the English authorities for all the +facilities which they gave us for the accomplishment of our mission. + +We will now sum up the whole set of observations made by us. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +The blankets assigned to each prisoner vary from 3 to 5, a number which +we have never seen equalled in other places. + +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. + +The civilian prisoners whose personal belongings were worn out received +a complete equipment. + +The interned civilians were decently and sufficiently clothed. + +Officers can order their clothes at their own expense from the town +tailors. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +The sick in hospital have a regimen suited to their condition prescribed +by the doctors. The milk provided is of excellent quality. + +The health department is remarkably well organised everywhere. Drinking +water and water for washing purposes are equally abundant. There is an +_ad libitum_ supply for douches and baths in every camp. The +arrangements for laundering linen are very efficient. + +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. + +Turkish or English latrines are sufficient in number, odourless, and +regularly disinfected. + +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. + +If dentistry be needed, which is rare among Ottomans, it is supplied by +dentists from the town or resident in the camps. + +Cases of mutilation are provided with artificial limbs. + +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. + +Deceased prisoners are interred with military honours and according to +the rites of their religion. + +The space enclosed within the camps permits the prisoners to enjoy +walking exercise as well as outdoor games. + +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. + +Imaums take religious charge, and the prisoners have full liberty to +carry out their daily worship. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + + +CAIRO, _January, 1917_. + + The Delegates of the Red Cross International Committee. + Dr. F. BLANCHOD. + F. THORMEYER. + EMMANUEL SCHOCH. + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Turkish Prisoners in Egypt, by Various + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10589 *** 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> diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..366d10b --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #10589 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10589) diff --git a/old/10589-8.txt b/old/10589-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..38db5f4 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/10589-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2356 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Turkish Prisoners in Egypt, by Various + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Turkish Prisoners in Egypt + A Report By The Delegates Of The International Committee + Of The Red Cross + +Author: Various + +Release Date: January 4, 2004 [EBook #10589] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TURKISH PRISONERS IN EGYPT *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Susan Woodring and PG Distributed +Proofreaders + + + + + +TURKISH PRISONERS IN EGYPT + +A Report By The Delegates Of The International Committee Of The Red +Cross + +_Extracted and translated from the Official Reports of the Red Cross +Society_ + +_(Documents publiés à l'occasion de la Guerre Européenne, 1914-1917)_ + +Published in 1917 + + + + +_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._ + + + + +Turkish Prisoners in Egypt + +~INTRODUCTION~ + + +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 +_Morea_, 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. + +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. + +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. + + + + +~1. Heliopolis Camp.~ + +_(Visited on January 2, 1917.)_ + + +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. + + +_Strength._--3,906 Turkish non-commissioned officers and men. + +3 Turkish soldiers of the Sanitary Corps. + +2 Armenian doctors (officers in the Turkish Army). + +The camp is arranged to hold a total population of 15,000 men. A +barbed-wire fencing separates it from adjoining property. + + +_Accommodation._--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. + + +_Bedding._--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. + + +_Exercise._--The space left between the barracks of the separate +sections is amply sufficient for exercise, which is quite unrestricted +during the regulation hours. + + +_Food._--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: + + 5 a.m.; 11 a.m.; and 4 p.m. + +The last meal is the principal one of the day. + +We have examined the various food materials given the prisoners and +found them to be of excellent quality. + +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. + +Each prisoner receives 42-1/2 grammes of cigarettes and two boxes of +matches every week; two lbs. of firewood per day; and soap. + +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. + +The calculation is based on a period of six months (in winter). + + £ s. d. + Clothing and linen 3 0 0 + Periodical renovation of winter + clothes 0 6 6 + Renovation of linen, footwear, + and towels (twice) 1 10 0 + Food at actual contract prices 5 0 0 + Tobacco 0 12 6 + Wood (average price) 0 7 6 + Lighting (as for Maadi Camp) 0 2 0 + Water filtration (Maadi) 0 0 6 + ------------- + Total £10 19 0 + ============= + +Depreciation of buildings, fittings, blankets and other things provided +is not included in these figures. + + +_Canteen._--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. + +The men receive 2 ounces of tobacco free every week. They never get +alcohol. + + +_Clothing._--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. + +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. + +All men wear indoors leather slippers of the Eastern kind. Shoes are +used only by prisoners engaged on gardening, and by non-commissioned +officers. + +Linen, clothes and footwear are renewed on fixed dates or according to +need. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + +Water is supplied from the Heliopolis town mains, is of good quality, +and is provided in sufficient quantities. + +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 _ad libitum_. + +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. + +Ten Turkish barbers are occupied in cutting the hair of prisoners and +shaving them in a well-managed barber's shop. + +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. + + +_Medical attention._--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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +Four prisoners are suffering from trachoma of old standing. Recent cases +are ordinary ailments, bronchitis and simple diarrhoea. + +As a general rule the camp prisoners look well, have a good colour and +are well nourished. + +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. + +There is no typhoid fever in the camp, nor exanthematic typhus, nor any +other infectious disease. + + +_Work._--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. + +In any case, corporals and sergeants are not allowed to work. + + +_Religion and Recreation._--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. + + +_Correspondence._--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. + +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. + + +_Prisoners' Aid._--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. + + +_Prisoners' Behaviour._--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. + +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. + +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. + + + + +~2. Hospital No. 2, at Abbassiah, near Cairo.~ + +_(Visited on January 2, 1917.)_ + + +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. + + +_Clothing._--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. + + +_Dressings._--The hospital drug department is well stocked. The wounded +are supplied with surgical appliances, and with artificial limbs of the +most perfect make. + +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. + + +_Special Quarters._--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 _anopheles_ 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. + +Cases of venereal disease are also confined to separate premises. + +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. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + +The latrines are on the Turkish plan, with automatic water-flush, and +discharge into the town drainage. + + +_Food._--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. + +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. + +1. FULL DIET. + _Breakfast_: Bread; milk. + _Lunch_: Meat stew; vegetables; rice; bread. + _Supper_: Bread; soup; rice; milk. + _Extra, when ordered_: Chicken; pigeon; rabbit; butchers' + meat; lemons; eggs; cheese; curdled milk. + +2. MILK DIET. + _Breakfast_: Bread; milk. + _Lunch_: Soup; bread; milk; rice. + _Supper_: Bread; milk; sugar. + +The quantities of food allowed to invalids are given below: + + _Diet for + _Ordinary _Milk Fever + Diet. Diet. Patients. + grm._ grm._ grm._ + + Native bread (baladi) 937 625 + Beef 115 100 + Vegetables 120 + Rice 115 50 + Milk 200 800 1,200 + Fat 20 + Sugar 20 25 + Salt 15 5 + Pepper 3 1 + Onions 20 + Tomatoes 10 + +We examined all these provisions and found them to be excellent in +quality. + + +_Sickness._--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. + + Turks Bulgarians Germans + Tuberculosis 27 0 0 + Bacillar dysentery 37 3 2 + Malaria 3 0 0 + War wounds 74 2 4 + Anaemia and weakness 30 12 5 + Various 96 5 0 + --- --- --- + Totals 267 22 11 + === === === + +There is no epidemic disease in the hospital. + + +_Deaths._--Sixty-six Turkish prisoners died in the Abbassiah hospital +between August 8, 1916, and January 1, 1917. + + From Dysentery 45 + " Tuberculosis 9 + " Beri-beri 1 + " Malaria 1 + " War wounds 9 + " Typhoid fever 1 + --- + 66 + === + +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. + +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. + + + + +~3. Maadi Camp.~ + +_(Visited on January 3, 1917.)_ + + +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. + + +_Strength._--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. + +No officers are interned in this camp. Three imaums (priests) were not +classed with the officers, as they had served as privates. + +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. + +The camp is divided into 41 sections and 4 quarters. The last are +divided off from one another by barbed wire fences. + + +_Accommodation._--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. + +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. + +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. + + +_Sleeping Accommodation._--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. + + +_Food._--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 _baladi_ 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. + + +_Clothing._--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. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + +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. + +Prisoners get plenty of soap and wash their own linen on wooden tables +arranged under water taps. + +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. + +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. + + +_Medical Attention._--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. + +The infirmary included three well-appointed quarters built in masonry, +and able to hold 40 patients. + +The infirmary bedding accommodation consists of iron bedsteads with +spring mattress and stuffed mattress. The blankets are warm and +unlimited in number. + + +_Illness._--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. + +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. + +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. + +All prisoners are inoculated against smallpox, typhoid and cholera. + + +_The Severely Wounded and those who have lost Limbs._--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. + + +_Deaths._--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. + + +_Exercise._--No limit is placed upon the time during which exercise may +be taken in the open space round the barracks. + + +_Work._--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. + + +_Discipline._--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. + + +_Right to Make Complaints._--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. + + +_Religion._--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. + + +_Games and Recreations._--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. + + +_Correspondence._--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. + + +_Help for Prisoners._--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. + + +_Mentality._--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. + + + + +~4. The Egyptian Red Cross Hospital at Cairo~. + +_(Visited on January 4, 1917.)_ + + +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. + + +_Sanitary Staff._--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. + +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. + +Thirty-two orderlies do the ward work. + + +_Accommodation._--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. + + +_Bedding._--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. + + +_Food._--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. + +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: + +FOR OFFICERS. + _Breakfast_: European bread; fresh milk; 3 eggs; tea; coffee. + _Lunch_: Mutton; two dishes of vegetables, or macaroni rice; + salad; rice pudding; coffee; fruit. + _Dinner_: The same as lunch, but without fruit. + +ORDINARY DIET. + _Breakfast_: Arab bread; sweetened fresh milk. + _Lunch_: Arab bread; beef; rice, vegetables. + _Dinner_: Arab bread; rice soup; rice pudding. + +MILK DIET. + _Breakfast_: Bread, 350 grm.; sweetened milk. + _Lunch_: Arab bread; soup; beef-tea; rice pudding. + _Dinner_: Bread, 350 grm.; sweetened milk. + +FEVER DIET. + _Breakfast_: Milk, 400 grm., without sugar. + _Lunch_: 400 grm. of milk without sugar. + _Dinner_: 400 grm. of milk without sugar. + +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. + + +_Clothing._--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. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + + +_Special Quarters._--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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + + +_Sickness._--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. + +There are at the present time 149 prisoners under treatment, 8 Ottoman +officers and 141 soldiers, distributed as follows: + +Surgical cases (wounds): 66; among them 13 invalids and 6 who have +undergone amputation and have been detained a long time in the hospital. + +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. + +Eye affections: 25. + +Consumptives: 20. + +Which make up the total of 149 cases. + +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. + +_Deaths_: + + Number Number + Cause of Death. of Deaths of Deaths + in 1915. in 1916. + Surgical cases 30 17 + Pleurisy 2 5 + Dysentery 8 19 + Typhoid 1 1 + Pericarditis 1 2 + Pneumonia 3 11 + Pulmonary tuberculosis -- 26 + Intestinal tuberculosis -- 21 + Nephritis -- 5 + Gangrene -- 1 + Hepatitis -- 1 + Pernicious anaemia -- 1 + --- --- + Total 45 110 + === === + +The dead were buried in the Musulman cemetery with military honours, +such comrades as were well enough attending the ceremony. + + + + +~5. The Cairo Citadel Camp.~ + +_(Visited on January 3, 1917.)_ + + +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. + +The dates of arrival are as follows: + + Women and Children. + 1st convoy of 123 September 11, 1916 + 2nd " " 66 October 16, 1916 + 3rd " " 26 " 28, 1916 + 4th " " 82 November 7, 1916 + 5th " " 132 " 29, 1916 + + +_Numbers._--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. + +_The Head Matron_ 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. + +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. + + +_Accommodation._--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. + +The 40 inhabited rooms are allotted in three sections, corresponding to +the social classification established for the interned women. + +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. + +An extensive garden is always at the prisoners' disposal. + + +_Bedding._--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. + + +_Dress._--The English authorities supply women and children with all +their linen and other clothing. + + +_Food._--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. + +The hours for meals are: + Breakfast, from 7.30 to 8.30. + Lunch, from 12.30 to 1.80. + Supper, from 5.30 to 6.80. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + +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. + + +_Medical Care and Illnesses._--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. + +The infirmary is very commodious. It consists of a consulting-room, with +a couch for examinations; a surgery, and a sick ward. + +In the infirmary register the name, the disease, the treatment and the +course of the illness are all duly noted. + +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. + +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. + +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. + + +_Maternity._--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. + + +_Deaths._--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. + + +_Education._--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. + + +_Religious Services._--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. + + +_Intellectual Diversions._--The women seem to have no needs or desires +on this score. They pass their days in talking and smoking. + +The camp has been presented with a gramophone. + + +_Work._--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. + + +_Money._--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. + + +_Correspondence._--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. + + +_Wishes of the Interned._--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. + + +_Repatriation._--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. + + +_Special Inquiry at the Citadel Camp._--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. + +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. + +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. + +Dr. Suleïman Bey's complaints upon this point therefore proved equally +inexact. + + + + +~6. The Ras-el-Tin Camp.~ + +_(Visited January 5, 1917.)_ + + +This camp of interned civilians is situated on a rising ground beside +the sea, 5 kilometres (3 miles) from Alexandria. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +The camp was visited in 1916 by the American Consul from Alexandria, and +also by the American chargé d'affaires from Athens. + + +_Accommodation._--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. + +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. + + +_Bedding._--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. + + +_Food._--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. + +Here is the menu for Friday, January 5, 1917, +the day of our visit: + _Breakfast_: Porridge; milk; chocolate; butter; bread. + _Lunch_: Haricot soup; ragoût of beef and potatoes. + _Dinner_: Rice soup; hashed meat (moussaka), with vegetables; + eggs; tea. + +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. + +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. + +Here is the extra menu for January 5, 1917: + _Lunch_: Italian dumplings; roast veal; salad and gherkins. + _Dinner_: Soup "parmentier"; fish croquettes; braised beef with cabbage. + +The meals are served at: + Breakfast, half-past seven. + Lunch, one o'clock. + Dinner, half-past five. + +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. + + +_Clothing._--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. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + +The prisoners do their own washing, numerous wash-houses being provided +for the purpose. + +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. + + +_Medical Attention._--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. + +An interned Turkish civilian, Abrahim Assan, by calling an employee in a +Constantinople factory, who speaks French and English perfectly, serves +as orderly-interpreter. + +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. + +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 _ad libitum_; an isolation +ward, and a dispensary. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + + +_Religion and Amusements._--The prisoners offer their prayers daily. A +mosque will be built for them in the new camp at Sidi Bishr. + +Catholics are looked after by several Austrian priests, who used to +manage Catholic schools in Upper Egypt. + +For the Germans and Austrians there is a good circulating library, +containing English, French and German books. + +The prisoners have formed an orchestra, and organised theatrical +performances, for which they have painted pretty scenery. + +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. + + +_Discipline._--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. + + +_Exercise and Sports._--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. + +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. + +Periodically a gymkhana is got up, with donkey races, gymnastic +competitions, and the distribution of prizes. + + +_Work._--No work is demanded from the prisoners. + + +_Correspondence, Money Orders and Parcels._--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. + + +_Prisoners' Aid._--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. + + + + +~7. Sidi Bishr Camp.~ + +_(Visited on January 6, 1917.)_ + + +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. + + +_Strength._--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. + +The commandant of the camp is Lieut.-Colonel Coates. + +The American chargé d'affaires in Egypt has twice visited the camp. + + +_Accommodation._--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. + +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. + + +_Bedding._--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. + + +_Food._--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. + +The orderlies' fare is wholesome and sufficient. + + +_Dress._--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. + +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. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + +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. + +The officers' linen is washed by their orderlies in very convenient +wash-houses built of wood and cement. + +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. + + +_Medical Attention._--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. + +These two doctors speak Arabic and Turkish. + +An English corporal and 5 English hospital orderlies take care of the +sick. + +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. + +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. + +Officers troubled by their teeth are taken to a dentist in Alexandria. + +The prisoners' garments and bedding are sterilised in a special +apparatus. + +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. + + +_Illnesses and Deaths_-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: + +1 officer with a foot wound, 1 suffering from pharyngitis, and one +passing 1/2 per cent. of albumen. + +Some of the Turkish officers were wounded in the war: + +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. + +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. + +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. + + +_Prisoners' Wishes._--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. + +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. + +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. + + +_Pay._--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. + +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. + + +_Correspondence._--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. + + +_Religion and Amusements._--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. + +The camp contains 40 musical instruments; a piano has been hired for +the officers. + +The prisoners play football, tennis, cards and chess. Many amuse +themselves with reading. + + + + +~8. Bilbeis Camp.~ + +_(Visited on January 16, 1917.)_ + + +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: + + +_First Division._--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. + + +_Second Division._--One hundred and seventy-five Senoussi and soldiers +from Tripoli; 185 Bedouins from the West, and civilian prisoners of +divers nationalities. + +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. + +The camp commandant is Colonel Collins. + +The camp is surrounded by a barbed wire fence. + +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. + +The camp is lighted by paraffin reflector lamps. + + +_Bedding._--Mats of plaited rush. Two blankets per man. + + +_Exercise._--The dimensions of the camp leave large clear spaces where +the prisoners can walk at their pleasure. + + +_Food._--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. + + +_Dress._--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. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + +The prisoners do their washing in well-fitted wash-houses; a movable +furnace facilitates the weekly disinfection of all the prisoners' +effects. + +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. + + +_Medical Attention._--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. + +There are 3 Turkish orderlies and 1 Coptic orderly. + +The infirmary is clean and well appointed. It is sub-divided into 4 +quarters: the consulting room, dispensary, sick ward and isolation ward. + +The beds are iron with wire springs, the mattresses stuffed with +vegetable fibre, the number of blankets not limited. + +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. + +The advanced age of many of the prisoners, who are suffering from +chronic affections, accounts for this large attendance. + +The day we visited the infirmary it contained 8 patients: 3 cases of +malaria, 3 cases of bronchial pneumonia, and 2 cases of dysentery. + +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. + +Ten men were suffering from trachoma and are still being treated with +protargol. + +There has been no typhoid fever, nor typhus, nor any other epidemic in +the camp. + +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. + +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. + + +_Work._--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. + + +_Correspondence._--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. + + +_Religion._--Except one Copt, all the prisoners are Mahometans. There +are many imaums among them. Religious exercises are practised freely and +regularly. + + +_Discipline and Behaviour._--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. + + + + +~CONCLUSIONS~ + + +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. + +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. + +We express our deep gratitude to the English authorities for all the +facilities which they gave us for the accomplishment of our mission. + +We will now sum up the whole set of observations made by us. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +The blankets assigned to each prisoner vary from 3 to 5, a number which +we have never seen equalled in other places. + +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. + +The civilian prisoners whose personal belongings were worn out received +a complete equipment. + +The interned civilians were decently and sufficiently clothed. + +Officers can order their clothes at their own expense from the town +tailors. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +The sick in hospital have a regimen suited to their condition prescribed +by the doctors. The milk provided is of excellent quality. + +The health department is remarkably well organised everywhere. Drinking +water and water for washing purposes are equally abundant. There is an +_ad libitum_ supply for douches and baths in every camp. The +arrangements for laundering linen are very efficient. + +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. + +Turkish or English latrines are sufficient in number, odourless, and +regularly disinfected. + +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. + +If dentistry be needed, which is rare among Ottomans, it is supplied by +dentists from the town or resident in the camps. + +Cases of mutilation are provided with artificial limbs. + +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. + +Deceased prisoners are interred with military honours and according to +the rites of their religion. + +The space enclosed within the camps permits the prisoners to enjoy +walking exercise as well as outdoor games. + +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. + +Imaums take religious charge, and the prisoners have full liberty to +carry out their daily worship. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + + +CAIRO, _January, 1917_. + + The Delegates of the Red Cross International Committee. + Dr. F. BLANCHOD. + F. THORMEYER. + EMMANUEL SCHOCH. + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Turkish Prisoners in Egypt, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TURKISH PRISONERS IN EGYPT *** + +***** This file should be named 10589-8.txt or 10589-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/5/8/10589/ + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Susan Woodring and PG Distributed +Proofreaders + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Turkish Prisoners in Egypt + A Report By The Delegates Of The International Committee Of + The Red Cross + +Author: Various + +Release Date: January 4, 2004 [EBook #10589] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TURKISH PRISONERS IN EGYPT *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Susan Woodring and PG Distributed +Proofreaders + + + + + + +</pre> + + <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"> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Turkish Prisoners in Egypt, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TURKISH PRISONERS IN EGYPT *** + +***** This file should be named 10589-h.htm or 10589-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/5/8/10589/ + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Susan Woodring and PG Distributed +Proofreaders + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Turkish Prisoners in Egypt + A Report By The Delegates Of The International Committee + Of The Red Cross + +Author: Various + +Release Date: January 4, 2004 [EBook #10589] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TURKISH PRISONERS IN EGYPT *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Susan Woodring and PG Distributed +Proofreaders + + + + + +TURKISH PRISONERS IN EGYPT + +A Report By The Delegates Of The International Committee Of The Red +Cross + +_Extracted and translated from the Official Reports of the Red Cross +Society_ + +_(Documents publies a l'occasion de la Guerre Europeenne, 1914-1917)_ + +Published in 1917 + + + + +_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._ + + + + +Turkish Prisoners in Egypt + +~INTRODUCTION~ + + +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 +_Morea_, 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. + +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. + +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. + + + + +~1. Heliopolis Camp.~ + +_(Visited on January 2, 1917.)_ + + +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. + + +_Strength._--3,906 Turkish non-commissioned officers and men. + +3 Turkish soldiers of the Sanitary Corps. + +2 Armenian doctors (officers in the Turkish Army). + +The camp is arranged to hold a total population of 15,000 men. A +barbed-wire fencing separates it from adjoining property. + + +_Accommodation._--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. + + +_Bedding._--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. + + +_Exercise._--The space left between the barracks of the separate +sections is amply sufficient for exercise, which is quite unrestricted +during the regulation hours. + + +_Food._--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: + + 5 a.m.; 11 a.m.; and 4 p.m. + +The last meal is the principal one of the day. + +We have examined the various food materials given the prisoners and +found them to be of excellent quality. + +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. + +Each prisoner receives 42-1/2 grammes of cigarettes and two boxes of +matches every week; two lbs. of firewood per day; and soap. + +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. + +The calculation is based on a period of six months (in winter). + + L s. d. + Clothing and linen 3 0 0 + Periodical renovation of winter + clothes 0 6 6 + Renovation of linen, footwear, + and towels (twice) 1 10 0 + Food at actual contract prices 5 0 0 + Tobacco 0 12 6 + Wood (average price) 0 7 6 + Lighting (as for Maadi Camp) 0 2 0 + Water filtration (Maadi) 0 0 6 + ------------- + Total L10 19 0 + ============= + +Depreciation of buildings, fittings, blankets and other things provided +is not included in these figures. + + +_Canteen._--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. + +The men receive 2 ounces of tobacco free every week. They never get +alcohol. + + +_Clothing._--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. + +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. + +All men wear indoors leather slippers of the Eastern kind. Shoes are +used only by prisoners engaged on gardening, and by non-commissioned +officers. + +Linen, clothes and footwear are renewed on fixed dates or according to +need. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + +Water is supplied from the Heliopolis town mains, is of good quality, +and is provided in sufficient quantities. + +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 _ad libitum_. + +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. + +Ten Turkish barbers are occupied in cutting the hair of prisoners and +shaving them in a well-managed barber's shop. + +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. + + +_Medical attention._--The camp medical service is staffed by Colonel +E.G. Garner and two Armenian doctors (Arsen Khoren and Leon Samuel). +Four English hospital orderlies are assisted by three Turkish orderlies. +An English dentist visits the camp at the doctor's request. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +Four prisoners are suffering from trachoma of old standing. Recent cases +are ordinary ailments, bronchitis and simple diarrhoea. + +As a general rule the camp prisoners look well, have a good colour and +are well nourished. + +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. + +There is no typhoid fever in the camp, nor exanthematic typhus, nor any +other infectious disease. + + +_Work._--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. + +In any case, corporals and sergeants are not allowed to work. + + +_Religion and Recreation._--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. + + +_Correspondence._--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. + +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. + + +_Prisoners' Aid._--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. + + +_Prisoners' Behaviour._--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. + +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. + +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. + + + + +~2. Hospital No. 2, at Abbassiah, near Cairo.~ + +_(Visited on January 2, 1917.)_ + + +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 employes. 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. + + +_Clothing._--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. + + +_Dressings._--The hospital drug department is well stocked. The wounded +are supplied with surgical appliances, and with artificial limbs of the +most perfect make. + +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. + + +_Special Quarters._--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 _anopheles_ 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. + +Cases of venereal disease are also confined to separate premises. + +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. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + +The latrines are on the Turkish plan, with automatic water-flush, and +discharge into the town drainage. + + +_Food._--The hospital management employs a contractor to do the +provisioning. The food is prepared in the kitchen by 4 Egyptian +employes. 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. + +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. + +1. FULL DIET. + _Breakfast_: Bread; milk. + _Lunch_: Meat stew; vegetables; rice; bread. + _Supper_: Bread; soup; rice; milk. + _Extra, when ordered_: Chicken; pigeon; rabbit; butchers' + meat; lemons; eggs; cheese; curdled milk. + +2. MILK DIET. + _Breakfast_: Bread; milk. + _Lunch_: Soup; bread; milk; rice. + _Supper_: Bread; milk; sugar. + +The quantities of food allowed to invalids are given below: + + _Diet for + _Ordinary _Milk Fever + Diet. Diet. Patients. + grm._ grm._ grm._ + + Native bread (baladi) 937 625 + Beef 115 100 + Vegetables 120 + Rice 115 50 + Milk 200 800 1,200 + Fat 20 + Sugar 20 25 + Salt 15 5 + Pepper 3 1 + Onions 20 + Tomatoes 10 + +We examined all these provisions and found them to be excellent in +quality. + + +_Sickness._--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. + + Turks Bulgarians Germans + Tuberculosis 27 0 0 + Bacillar dysentery 37 3 2 + Malaria 3 0 0 + War wounds 74 2 4 + Anaemia and weakness 30 12 5 + Various 96 5 0 + --- --- --- + Totals 267 22 11 + === === === + +There is no epidemic disease in the hospital. + + +_Deaths._--Sixty-six Turkish prisoners died in the Abbassiah hospital +between August 8, 1916, and January 1, 1917. + + From Dysentery 45 + " Tuberculosis 9 + " Beri-beri 1 + " Malaria 1 + " War wounds 9 + " Typhoid fever 1 + --- + 66 + === + +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. + +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. + + + + +~3. Maadi Camp.~ + +_(Visited on January 3, 1917.)_ + + +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. + + +_Strength._--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. + +No officers are interned in this camp. Three imaums (priests) were not +classed with the officers, as they had served as privates. + +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. + +The camp is divided into 41 sections and 4 quarters. The last are +divided off from one another by barbed wire fences. + + +_Accommodation._--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. + +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. + +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. + + +_Sleeping Accommodation._--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. + + +_Food._--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 _baladi_ 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. + + +_Clothing._--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 deg.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. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + +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. + +Prisoners get plenty of soap and wash their own linen on wooden tables +arranged under water taps. + +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. + +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. + + +_Medical Attention._--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. + +The infirmary included three well-appointed quarters built in masonry, +and able to hold 40 patients. + +The infirmary bedding accommodation consists of iron bedsteads with +spring mattress and stuffed mattress. The blankets are warm and +unlimited in number. + + +_Illness._--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. + +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. + +Since the camp was opened there have been 35 cases of tertian ague, all +from the Hedjaz, Mecca, Taif 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. + +All prisoners are inoculated against smallpox, typhoid and cholera. + + +_The Severely Wounded and those who have lost Limbs._--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. + + +_Deaths._--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. + + +_Exercise._--No limit is placed upon the time during which exercise may +be taken in the open space round the barracks. + + +_Work._--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. + + +_Discipline._--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. + + +_Right to Make Complaints._--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. + + +_Religion._--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. + + +_Games and Recreations._--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. + + +_Correspondence._--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. + + +_Help for Prisoners._--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. + + +_Mentality._--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. + + + + +~4. The Egyptian Red Cross Hospital at Cairo~. + +_(Visited on January 4, 1917.)_ + + +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. + + +_Sanitary Staff._--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. + +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. + +Thirty-two orderlies do the ward work. + + +_Accommodation._--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. + + +_Bedding._--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. + + +_Food._--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. + +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: + +FOR OFFICERS. + _Breakfast_: European bread; fresh milk; 3 eggs; tea; coffee. + _Lunch_: Mutton; two dishes of vegetables, or macaroni rice; + salad; rice pudding; coffee; fruit. + _Dinner_: The same as lunch, but without fruit. + +ORDINARY DIET. + _Breakfast_: Arab bread; sweetened fresh milk. + _Lunch_: Arab bread; beef; rice, vegetables. + _Dinner_: Arab bread; rice soup; rice pudding. + +MILK DIET. + _Breakfast_: Bread, 350 grm.; sweetened milk. + _Lunch_: Arab bread; soup; beef-tea; rice pudding. + _Dinner_: Bread, 350 grm.; sweetened milk. + +FEVER DIET. + _Breakfast_: Milk, 400 grm., without sugar. + _Lunch_: 400 grm. of milk without sugar. + _Dinner_: 400 grm. of milk without sugar. + +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. + + +_Clothing._--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. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + + +_Special Quarters._--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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + + +_Sickness._--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. + +There are at the present time 149 prisoners under treatment, 8 Ottoman +officers and 141 soldiers, distributed as follows: + +Surgical cases (wounds): 66; among them 13 invalids and 6 who have +undergone amputation and have been detained a long time in the hospital. + +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. + +Eye affections: 25. + +Consumptives: 20. + +Which make up the total of 149 cases. + +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. + +_Deaths_: + + Number Number + Cause of Death. of Deaths of Deaths + in 1915. in 1916. + Surgical cases 30 17 + Pleurisy 2 5 + Dysentery 8 19 + Typhoid 1 1 + Pericarditis 1 2 + Pneumonia 3 11 + Pulmonary tuberculosis -- 26 + Intestinal tuberculosis -- 21 + Nephritis -- 5 + Gangrene -- 1 + Hepatitis -- 1 + Pernicious anaemia -- 1 + --- --- + Total 45 110 + === === + +The dead were buried in the Musulman cemetery with military honours, +such comrades as were well enough attending the ceremony. + + + + +~5. The Cairo Citadel Camp.~ + +_(Visited on January 3, 1917.)_ + + +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. + +The dates of arrival are as follows: + + Women and Children. + 1st convoy of 123 September 11, 1916 + 2nd " " 66 October 16, 1916 + 3rd " " 26 " 28, 1916 + 4th " " 82 November 7, 1916 + 5th " " 132 " 29, 1916 + + +_Numbers._--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. + +_The Head Matron_ 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. + +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. + + +_Accommodation._--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. + +The 40 inhabited rooms are allotted in three sections, corresponding to +the social classification established for the interned women. + +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. + +An extensive garden is always at the prisoners' disposal. + + +_Bedding._--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. + + +_Dress._--The English authorities supply women and children with all +their linen and other clothing. + + +_Food._--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. + +The hours for meals are: + Breakfast, from 7.30 to 8.30. + Lunch, from 12.30 to 1.80. + Supper, from 5.30 to 6.80. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + +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. + + +_Medical Care and Illnesses._--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. + +The infirmary is very commodious. It consists of a consulting-room, with +a couch for examinations; a surgery, and a sick ward. + +In the infirmary register the name, the disease, the treatment and the +course of the illness are all duly noted. + +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. + +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. + +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. + + +_Maternity._--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. + + +_Deaths._--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. + + +_Education._--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. + + +_Religious Services._--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. + + +_Intellectual Diversions._--The women seem to have no needs or desires +on this score. They pass their days in talking and smoking. + +The camp has been presented with a gramophone. + + +_Work._--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 L10 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. + + +_Money._--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. + + +_Correspondence._--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. + + +_Wishes of the Interned._--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. + + +_Repatriation._--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 charge 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. + + +_Special Inquiry at the Citadel Camp._--During our visit to the Maadi +Camp, Dr. Suleiman Bey, head physician at Taif, 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. Suleiman'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. + +As Dr. Suleiman 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. + +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. + +Dr. Suleiman Bey's complaints upon this point therefore proved equally +inexact. + + + + +~6. The Ras-el-Tin Camp.~ + +_(Visited January 5, 1917.)_ + + +This camp of interned civilians is situated on a rising ground beside +the sea, 5 kilometres (3 miles) from Alexandria. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +The camp was visited in 1916 by the American Consul from Alexandria, and +also by the American charge d'affaires from Athens. + + +_Accommodation._--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. + +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. + + +_Bedding._--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. + + +_Food._--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. + +Here is the menu for Friday, January 5, 1917, +the day of our visit: + _Breakfast_: Porridge; milk; chocolate; butter; bread. + _Lunch_: Haricot soup; ragout of beef and potatoes. + _Dinner_: Rice soup; hashed meat (moussaka), with vegetables; + eggs; tea. + +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. + +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. + +Here is the extra menu for January 5, 1917: + _Lunch_: Italian dumplings; roast veal; salad and gherkins. + _Dinner_: Soup "parmentier"; fish croquettes; braised beef with cabbage. + +The meals are served at: + Breakfast, half-past seven. + Lunch, one o'clock. + Dinner, half-past five. + +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. + + +_Clothing._--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. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + +The prisoners do their own washing, numerous wash-houses being provided +for the purpose. + +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. + + +_Medical Attention._--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. + +An interned Turkish civilian, Abrahim Assan, by calling an employee in a +Constantinople factory, who speaks French and English perfectly, serves +as orderly-interpreter. + +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. + +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 _ad libitum_; an isolation +ward, and a dispensary. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + + +_Religion and Amusements._--The prisoners offer their prayers daily. A +mosque will be built for them in the new camp at Sidi Bishr. + +Catholics are looked after by several Austrian priests, who used to +manage Catholic schools in Upper Egypt. + +For the Germans and Austrians there is a good circulating library, +containing English, French and German books. + +The prisoners have formed an orchestra, and organised theatrical +performances, for which they have painted pretty scenery. + +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. + + +_Discipline._--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. + + +_Exercise and Sports._--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. + +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. + +Periodically a gymkhana is got up, with donkey races, gymnastic +competitions, and the distribution of prizes. + + +_Work._--No work is demanded from the prisoners. + + +_Correspondence, Money Orders and Parcels._--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. + + +_Prisoners' Aid._--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. + + + + +~7. Sidi Bishr Camp.~ + +_(Visited on January 6, 1917.)_ + + +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. + + +_Strength._--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. + +The commandant of the camp is Lieut.-Colonel Coates. + +The American charge d'affaires in Egypt has twice visited the camp. + + +_Accommodation._--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. + +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. + + +_Bedding._--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. + + +_Food._--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. + +The orderlies' fare is wholesome and sufficient. + + +_Dress._--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. + +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. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + +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. + +The officers' linen is washed by their orderlies in very convenient +wash-houses built of wood and cement. + +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. + + +_Medical Attention._--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. + +These two doctors speak Arabic and Turkish. + +An English corporal and 5 English hospital orderlies take care of the +sick. + +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. + +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. + +Officers troubled by their teeth are taken to a dentist in Alexandria. + +The prisoners' garments and bedding are sterilised in a special +apparatus. + +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. + + +_Illnesses and Deaths_-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: + +1 officer with a foot wound, 1 suffering from pharyngitis, and one +passing 1/2 per cent. of albumen. + +Some of the Turkish officers were wounded in the war: + +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. + +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. + +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. + + +_Prisoners' Wishes._--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. + +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. + +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. + + +_Pay._--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. + +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 L20 to the camp commandant for +the poorest soldiers' small needs. + + +_Correspondence._--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. + + +_Religion and Amusements._--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. + +The camp contains 40 musical instruments; a piano has been hired for +the officers. + +The prisoners play football, tennis, cards and chess. Many amuse +themselves with reading. + + + + +~8. Bilbeis Camp.~ + +_(Visited on January 16, 1917.)_ + + +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: + + +_First Division._--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. + + +_Second Division._--One hundred and seventy-five Senoussi and soldiers +from Tripoli; 185 Bedouins from the West, and civilian prisoners of +divers nationalities. + +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. + +The camp commandant is Colonel Collins. + +The camp is surrounded by a barbed wire fence. + +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. + +The camp is lighted by paraffin reflector lamps. + + +_Bedding._--Mats of plaited rush. Two blankets per man. + + +_Exercise._--The dimensions of the camp leave large clear spaces where +the prisoners can walk at their pleasure. + + +_Food._--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. + + +_Dress._--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. + + +_Hygiene._--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. + +The prisoners do their washing in well-fitted wash-houses; a movable +furnace facilitates the weekly disinfection of all the prisoners' +effects. + +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. + + +_Medical Attention._--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. + +There are 3 Turkish orderlies and 1 Coptic orderly. + +The infirmary is clean and well appointed. It is sub-divided into 4 +quarters: the consulting room, dispensary, sick ward and isolation ward. + +The beds are iron with wire springs, the mattresses stuffed with +vegetable fibre, the number of blankets not limited. + +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. + +The advanced age of many of the prisoners, who are suffering from +chronic affections, accounts for this large attendance. + +The day we visited the infirmary it contained 8 patients: 3 cases of +malaria, 3 cases of bronchial pneumonia, and 2 cases of dysentery. + +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. + +Ten men were suffering from trachoma and are still being treated with +protargol. + +There has been no typhoid fever, nor typhus, nor any other epidemic in +the camp. + +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. + +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. + + +_Work._--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. + + +_Correspondence._--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. + + +_Religion._--Except one Copt, all the prisoners are Mahometans. There +are many imaums among them. Religious exercises are practised freely and +regularly. + + +_Discipline and Behaviour._--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. + + + + +~CONCLUSIONS~ + + +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. + +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. + +We express our deep gratitude to the English authorities for all the +facilities which they gave us for the accomplishment of our mission. + +We will now sum up the whole set of observations made by us. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +The blankets assigned to each prisoner vary from 3 to 5, a number which +we have never seen equalled in other places. + +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. + +The civilian prisoners whose personal belongings were worn out received +a complete equipment. + +The interned civilians were decently and sufficiently clothed. + +Officers can order their clothes at their own expense from the town +tailors. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +The sick in hospital have a regimen suited to their condition prescribed +by the doctors. The milk provided is of excellent quality. + +The health department is remarkably well organised everywhere. Drinking +water and water for washing purposes are equally abundant. There is an +_ad libitum_ supply for douches and baths in every camp. The +arrangements for laundering linen are very efficient. + +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. + +Turkish or English latrines are sufficient in number, odourless, and +regularly disinfected. + +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. + +If dentistry be needed, which is rare among Ottomans, it is supplied by +dentists from the town or resident in the camps. + +Cases of mutilation are provided with artificial limbs. + +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. + +Deceased prisoners are interred with military honours and according to +the rites of their religion. + +The space enclosed within the camps permits the prisoners to enjoy +walking exercise as well as outdoor games. + +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. + +Imaums take religious charge, and the prisoners have full liberty to +carry out their daily worship. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + + +CAIRO, _January, 1917_. + + The Delegates of the Red Cross International Committee. + Dr. F. BLANCHOD. + F. THORMEYER. + EMMANUEL SCHOCH. + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Turkish Prisoners in Egypt, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TURKISH PRISONERS IN EGYPT *** + +***** This file should be named 10589.txt or 10589.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/5/8/10589/ + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Susan Woodring and PG Distributed +Proofreaders + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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