Nation: THE PLIGHT OF THE PRISONERS

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The men who have been seen by outsiders are pale, as if they were never allowed out in the sun. There is not much work or exercise. When Captain Rumble was asked how the prisoners fought boredom, he replied: "We were allowed to sweep the grounds." Then he added hesitantly: "We ate two meals ... we smoked cigarettes ... we were allowed to listen to the Voice of Viet Nam"—English-language broadcasts from Hanoi.

Basic Staples. Judging by the fact that the nine men who have been released have been seriously underweight, the diet leaves something to be desired, certainly by American standards. According to Frishman, who lost 45 Ibs. in 19 months of captivity, basic staples include French-style bread, squash and pork fat. "Actually, this may not sound like it is very good, but they have their own way of preparing it, and I think it's good-tasting," he said. But later, whenever the TWA hostess offered a choice of food on the flight back to the U.S., Frishman said, "I don't care—as long as it's not pork fat and pumpkin." Lieut. Colonel James Robinson Risner (TIME Cover, April 23, 1965), who was shot down over Thanh Hoa later that year, was one of four U.S. pilots interviewed by the peace group. He told them that there was enough to eat and that the food was always "fresh from the stove." He said, probably facetiously, that he would try to get the recipes for some of the dishes before his release. In all conversations with prisoners of war, it obviously must be remembered that P.O.W.s cannot speak freely at all times.

Air Force Major Roger Dean Ingvalson talked to the peace group of sports and the moon landing but declined to discuss the war. "It's all very complicated," he said. Air Force Captain Anthony Andrews inquired about the Dow-Jones industrial averages and asked the delegation to relay instructions to his wife that it was time to trade in the family car. Navy Lieut. Edward F. Miller said little except to ask about the moon landing and other current events.

Enduring Hope. Medical attention for the prisoners seems to be adequate. Frishman's arm was so badly damaged that he feared he would lose it. "It would have been much easier just to amputate the arm," he said. "But they operated and saved it." Risner told the peace group that even at the height of the bombing around Hanoi in 1967, his captors treated him for kidney stones and put him on a special diet. He reported that medics regularly check the prisoners. Once illnesses are reported to guards, the prisoner receives prompt attention. According to Risner, each prisoner has two sets of clothes, a blanket, soap and toothbrush.