_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 £20 to the camp commandant for
the poorest soldiers' small needs.