18 May 1942, Chronology of Events Related to Stanley Civilian Internment Camp

A British Communal Council meeting notes that Dr Selwyn-Clarke is making arrangements for the care of the (largely Chinese) dependants of the Prisoners of War and the internees.

This might be the first the internees hear of the scheme, but it's likely that Selwyn-Clarke's been helping long before today. The Japanese refuse to give any assistance at all to the uninterned wives and families of the Volunteers and regular soldiers, and Selwyn-Clarke stepped into the breach. Funds were scarce though and he insisted that every dependent submit a monthly 'expenses claim', which was a problem for some of the Chinese wives who couldn't write English.

In early 1943 this task will be taken over by the International Committee of the Red Cross who acquire funds for this purpose. Eventually they'll open Rosary Hill as a home primarily for the dependants.

Sources:

Meeting, Red Cross: John Stericker, 1945, Captive Colony, Chapter V1, page 7-8

Expenses: Statement of Cedric Salter to the British Army Aid Group