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won’t last long, because one would have to assume that the German government will insist on our release. Apparently, word of the conditions in this camp has reached Germany via former officials in New Guinea that were interned here and then released.
Against all international conventions, civilian prisoners now have to do physical work for 3 hours a day, either in the morning or in the afternoon, alternating from week to week. Mainly this means felling trees and clearing bushland in the vicinity of the camp, where the government plans to erect a shooting range for the artillery. The felled trees are being used for firewood or to erect more barracks, which is done by carpenters within the camp. Since our arrival they have erected 5 more of these things so there is room for further arrivals. Franzen, Volgen, Brandt and I, as well as a few other gentlemen, are exempt from physical work because of age or illness. All others have to go to work daily, except for Sundays and rainy days. There is