Australian Red Cross Society circular entitled: Interim Directions for Sending Letters to Prisoners of War and Messages to Civilians in Japanese Hands.
Australian Red Cross Society, 1942. Two-page circular on thin, salmon colored paper. The circular lists 10 directions for sending letters, including one-page only and of a strictly personal character, typed or clearly written. “… any person may send a letter to a prisoner of war In Japanese hands, but in view of difficulties of transmission it is urged that, until information is received from the Japanese as to prisoners of war and their places of internment, letters should be sent only once a month, and by close relatives only.”
The Central Red Cross Bureau, based in Melbourne, was the go through organization for such mail. Letters could be posted (the sheet gives instructions on how to address such a letter) at any post office and they would be forwarded post free by ordinary mail without stamps. “Upon arrival in Melbourne the Red Cross will arrange with the proper authorities for their onward dispatch.” The piece is coded at upper front right 10 M / 30 / 6 / 42, indicating that 10,000 were printed on June 30, 1942. The circular measures 8 ¾” x 5 ½”; 2 ¾”; closed tear coming down from top; fold mark; upper right corner dinged. Otherwise very good condition. Item #23536
Price: $75.00