03 Nov 1943, Additional notes

Among the papers of Mr Thomas Alwyn Hughes I found this instruction, written on the back of a cigarette packet, given to the Police members interned at Stanley on November 3, 1943:

“C. P. of one (?) Sec  Nov, 3rd 1943           I want you to put clearly before the men of your sec. the following facts:- Arriving out of the recent sentences on prisoners from this Camp, the Jap. Authorities have made it abundantly clear to the C.C. that should any unauthorized communication be made into, or out of the camp be discovered, or should any escape be attempted, or should any action against the Jap. interests be discovered, not only will the offender himself be drastically dealt with but also the arrest of the C.C. & of the B.C.C. (?) will be affected & collective punishment will be inflicted on the camp. The Jap. Authorities have made it quite clear that they mean what they say. The first duty of Police is to the Public they serve. In the circumstances therefore, I specifically direct that no member of the Police Force shall take any action which may lead to penalties of this nature being inflicted on the general Public & leaders of the Camp.”