70 years ago: Hong Kong's wartime diaries

3. STANLEY:

60 writes:- "Much improvement due to effort of D.M.S. Dr. S. Clarke and Red Cross parcels much appreciated but daily rations reduced by Japs. since arrival of parcels. Medical supplies from Red Cross not issued though badly needed, reason given by Japs. - misdirection on transit. The aged are finding conditions difficult due to mental and emotional strain. Malnutrition was at one time definitely danger, now under control. Canteen very useful but frightly ((sic.)) expensive. Parcels from outside friends manage to maintain health, cash also sent by outside friends. Dr. Harry Talbot recently caught returning to Stanley in possession of Yen 3000- he is at present under investigation by Foreign Affairs Dept: of Governor's Office. Sir V. M. Grayburn admitted responsibility of sending cash, said it was meant for some Bank Staff in Stanley. This episode so far not concluded as yet. Japs. Authorities discourage and stop as far as possible Chinese and Indians helping Internees.

4. GUARDS &c. (Source:- Escaped H.K.S.R.A., I.O.R. formerly a guard at Stanley).

Further to what was written in W.I.S. No.13 dated 16 Dec: 42, it is learned that there are at night two additional sentry posts (5 by day; 7 by night) and a change in the position of one. One road light, near entrance to Stanley Prison, instead of three are on all night apart from lights around perimeter wire (double apron) which are about 100 yards apart. Sentries are relieved every 2 hours starting from N.W. end of the camp and going round anti-clockwise, the whole procedure talking some 40 minutes.

Internees may not cross any roads after 21 hrs. but may walk around their quarters until 2300 hours.

Until about 1 month ago the "younger men", including PENNEFATHER-EVANS were put in Stanley Prison nightly from 1900 hours to 0700 hours. This began after the first Air Raid.

A.S.P. BIDMEAD and 3 other Europeans are said to be in Prison, the only other occupant being a DOGRA soldier (2/14 Punjab Regt:).

5. THIRD NATIONALS:

The rice issue to the above has been cut down from 6.4 taels to 3.2 taels (W.I.S. No.23 - Sub-Division 3 & 4 "EURASIANS" refers.)

6. EUROPEANS NOT P.O.W.

60 reports that a very strict watch is being kept on all "Free" foreigners who are suspected of organising escapes.

7. NORWEGIANS:

33 reports that the Norwegians were interned not because of escapees but because some of them made outspoken expressions of opinion, concerning the Japanese. Despite many reports that the Norwegians have been interned we still hope for the best. A definite answer to this question will be forthcoming soon.