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.