INTERNATIONAL
COMMITTEE
OF THE RED
GROSS
GENEVA
Population:
Accommodation:
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Hygiene:
Clothing:
Diet:
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H. HEFTI PAUL CALDERARA
HONORARY DELEGATE 1. C. R. C. G. P. O. BOX 659 HONG KONG
CABLE ADDRESS: INTERCROSS HONG KONG
TEL. 32121 236131.
There were 53 detainees at the time of my visit, 3 females and 50 males. The youngest is 17 years old and the oldest 64. The majority are Cantonese, but there are a few Hakka and Shanghai people. Most of them have been detained since last September, one since July 15th, 1967. You might have read in the press about a film actor/actress husband and wife“ team where an attempt was made a few weeks ago to release them at the border but who were refused entry into China (probably to embarass the HK Government and by "implication" illustrate that Chinese have an inalienable right to remain in Hongkong if they so wish These two are also held
in the Detention Centre.
There are various types of cells ranging in sizes from about 8 x 10' to 16 x 22'. Depending on the size of the cell, the overall population and the individual detainees, there are 1, 2 4 and upto 6 detainees in a cell. The three female prisoners share a cell.. The cells are clean and adequately furnished for the purpose. In fact, some of the larger sells provide "excellent" living quarters when compared to what one might come across outside prison walls. The inside-cells without daylight are a grim proposition when compared to some of the larger cells with daylight and one reaches the conclusion that there is a considerable difference of accommodation. I understand that a number of prisoners have been switched around so that as far, as possible they all get a share of the better cells for certain periods.
There are toilet and shower facilities on each floor. Detainees shower once a day and can use the lavatory at all times by calling the guard on duty.
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Soap toothbrushes, toothpaste etc. is supplied and can also be bought or brought/sent in. The female detainees are permitted to have cosmetics.
The detainees supply their own. Where required (prisoners without relations visiting or sending in parcels or lack of money) the authorities supply clothing.
According to Prison Diet Scale II which is for "working" prisoners, although the detainees do not work. There are also supplements to this diet scale end I enclose a full list.
All detainees eat in their cells.
The kitchen is clean and well equipped/staffed. Food for the guards on duty is also prepared there..
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