XX CONFIDENTIAL (2)
MX
Sir,
261
RECEIVED
- 6 FEB 1940
C.
ΤΟΥ
2
154
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
HONG KONG.
18th January, 1940.
With reference to my confidential (2) despatch
of 7th December, 1939, regarding the internment of Chinese soldiers in Hong Kong, I have the honour to inform you that two intered soldiers escaped from the Ma Tau Chung Chinese Internment Camp on the night of 12th December, 1939, and are still at large.
2.
The escape appears to have been attributable to the slackness of the two men on watch in the crows' nests at the north side of the camp. At 3.50 a.m. on 13th December, 1939, an unarmed sentry on duty at the gate observed one man escaping over the wire on this side by means of a bamboo ladder. The alarm was given but the man succeeded in escaping. A count was immediately made and it was discovered that two men were missing. The escape was not observed by the two men in
the crows' nests.
3.
It has been ascertained that the ladder used was made of bamboo poles and broom handles tied with hemp, and buried in the earth until required. A thorough search is being carried out to ensure that no more ladders have been similarly concealed.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
MALCOLM MACDONALD, M.P.,
&C.
&C.,
&C.,