On 27 July 1929, New Zealand was amongst the nations that signed a new Geneva Convention. Officially named the 'Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War', the landmark agreement included provisions for the adequate sustenance and humane treatment of POWs, and for relief by the International Red Cross Committee.

Before 1929 provisions concerning the treatment of POWs were contained in the Hague Regulations of 1899 and 1907. But the First World War revealed several deficiencies, as well as a lack of precision. In 1921 the International Red Cross Conference advocated that a special convention on the treatment of POWs be adopted. The Red Cross then drew up a draft convention, which was submitted to the Diplomatic Conference convened at Geneva in 1929 and later ratified by 53 countries.

According to the 1929 Geneva Convention, no POW could be forced to disclose to his captor any information other than their identity; every POW was entitled to adequate food and medical care; and had the right to exchange correspondence and receive parcels. POWs were required to observe ordinary military discipline and courtesy, but they could attempt to escape at his own risk. Once recaptured, they were not to be punished for the attempt. "The holding power had the right to put to work POWs other than those of officer or NCO status, though not on tasks of a direct military nature" notes nzhistory.net.nz. "The Convention, in short, offered a substantial degree of protection to POWs—provided it was recognised and applied by the holding power."

This record is the original French version of the 1929 Geneva Convention. It comes from a box of material associated with the War Prisoners Aid of the World's Alliance of Young Men's Christian Associations (YMCA).

Archives reference: ADQZ 18899 W2448 Box 1/ 99 archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=5056241

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