P) The Red Cross Hampered

The Red Cross Hampered

Assistance by the International Red Cross was much impeded by the Japanese. Remittance came through irregularly and at such adverse rates of exchange that they had very low spending value in the Camp. The Red Cross delegate sent in bulk supplies of beans and bran, when he could get them. Quantities were small, but even half an ounce per head per day was of value in giving the diet a minimal protein and vitamin content. The delegate was not allowed to inspect the Camp nor to send adverse reports to Geneva. All contact with him was cut off during the last year of the war. A small Canadian Red Cross shipment was helpful towards the end of 1944. After this came some clothing from the American Red Cross, and finally, after the war, a handsome gift of clothing and necessaries from the people of Australia, (through the Australian Red Cross) which enabled internees to discard the rags and tatters in which they had been creeping about and to present a respectable appearance before the post-war world. This timely gift was deeply appreciated.

Mention must be made of the tragic happening of 16th January 1945, when American planes flying near the Camp were fired upon by the Japanese from a position close to a bungalow occupied by internees. An aviator tried to put the anti-aircraft gun out of action, but the bomb exploded next to the bungalow, killing 14 people out of hand. One man got up from the table to get a spoon from the next room. He escaped; everyone else in the room was killed. By resolution, the American community in the Camp was assured that no one entertained bitter feelings against our American Allies because of this unfortunate mischance.