26 Jan 1942, Chronology of Events Related to Stanley Civilian Internment Camp

American missionaries Robert and Helen Hammond and their family (their baby Edith, Mrs. Hammond's parents, Albert and Rose Reiton and their younger daughter Esther) have been hiding in a Kowloon flat. Eventually they write a letter asking the authorities to arrange for their internment. After 46 days they see the first Japanese enter their home: a general and his interpreter. After expressing his amazement that they have passed so long without being looted, the general tells them, to be ready the next day.

The Temporary Committee meets again, and once more Franklin Gimson is in attendance, announcing that he's received a visit from the Major-General in charge of Civil Administration who would be glad to receive appications from those who wished to resume 'normal duties in certain types of work.' At this stage the Japanese seem to be willing to allow 'essential workers' to help them run Hong Kong, and there are about 100 men, women and children currently 'out' and active - but few people are to leave Stanley in this way in the future.

By this date a Camp canteen, for the sale of extra rations, has been proposed and agreed by the Japanese. But it will be some time before it actually exists.

Sources:

Hammonds: Robert Hammond, Bondservants of the Japanese, 1957 (originally 1942), 48-49

Temporary Committee: John Stericker, Captive Colony, 1945, Chapter iv, page 4

Canteen: G. B. Endacott and Alan Birch, Hong Kong Eclipse, 203