Interned Soldiers.
-4-
755 answered the roll. 41 men added to this and
accounted for in hospitals, previous escapes, recent deaths
etc., making the total 796 left us with 109 men missing.
There is now no possibility of the men ever attempting
to e scape by the nullah again, as all manholes are securely
covered over with thick cement blocks, and to burrow 15 feet
down is almost impossible.
The outer fences around the Camp are being raised
3 feet higher and work on this has already commenced.
I quite believe the men when they state that they
all got away about 19.00 or a little later that night. At
this time large numbers of internees are walking and hanging
around all over the place.
This attempt must have been properly planned and it
would only require a few of them to cover up the escaping
men, and no doubt the movements of Indian on patrol was
closely watched, and if at any time he did happen to go near,
the lid was put back and everything looked normal.
I do not think any Police officer or the Military
Authorities realised the possbility of escape by a nullah
underground.
It is quite understandable that the interned soldiers
think of such a thing, as they have nothing more to do than
idle all day long and plan mischief.
(Signed) H. G. Roger.
Divisional Inspector, Kowloon City.
15.1.39.
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