22 Dec 1944, Chronology of Events Related to Stanley Civilian Internment Camp

Rudolf Zindel, the delegate of the Internantional Red Cross Committee, visits the camp. His report will note an 'increase of restrictions in the early part of 1944' and consequent evidence of avitaminosis (vitamin deficiency problems). Generally he considers the health of the children 'very good', that of the younger and middle-adults 'fair', but that of the old 'somewhat indifferent'. Education is compulsory and the delegate is trying to meet the need for textbooks.

The report's general conclusions when relayed to relatives in the UK though the Red Cross journal, will be, on the whole, reassuring:

The camp authorities are liberal in their treatment of the internees and encourage community work, particularly vegetable cultivation. There is still a need for supplementary food, proteins, fats and vitamins of group B. This need continues to receive the attention of the Hong Kong delegate of the International Red Cross Committee.

Zindel also visits Ma Tau-wai Camp in Kowloon, now led by Dr. Selwyn-Clarke. He considers this and Stanley to be the two sections of what is now the Military Internment Camp - this might well reflect the Japanese classification.

Sources:

Visit to Stanley: The Far East, June 1945, page 5

Ma-Tau-wai (which is called Natauchung): Extract from Revue International de Croix Rouge, 1945, 99-100, in Hong Kong Public Records Office, HKMS100-1-8