English Translation

(Previously 124) The investigation on the basis of questionnaires sent to the individual prisoner-of-war camps for the purpose of recording the Czech legionaries is still under way and is expected to be completed in the course of October. The statement by the Czech deserter Josef C h a l u p n i k_ gives more detailed information on the use of the Czech legion on the front. Chalupnik travelled to Yugoslavia on behalf of a German service in January 1940, but did not return from there with any obligation, but went via Italy to France with the help of illegal Czech advertising agencies. Right on his arrival in Marseille, he was heard in detail by a news officer (Leutnant V e - v e r k a ) in the Czechoslovak Kon- sulat, as every newcomer from the Protectorate thought to see a spy for Germany. AüerMarseille came to Chalupnik directly to Agde. At that time there were Jews in the camp, the rest of Czechs, Slovaks, Hungarians, Germans and Ruthenians who emigrated. Gradually the number of Czech legionaries increased to 10,000. The conditions in the camps were nothing less than pleasing. There were very often disputes between Czech officers, among whom were many Hungarian and Slovak officers, and French officers. In the team itself, suspicions and disagreements were commonplace. Disciplin could almost not be spoken of, and obedience and revolts also occurred. The crew was dressed in old French uniforms and armed with French rifles of old designs.