in Hong Kong were able to get permits for business trips intended for Saigon or Haiphong, and thus many Indians managed to come over. I had informed Mr. P.K. Pavri that he should be very careful and not spread out to every Indian that they could get away but only inform reliable persons at the head of the different communities that they can leave Hong Kong and drop off at Kwangchowan. The affair would have gone on smoothly but for two reasons. Firstly, many Indians became careless and went in large numbers for passes which attracted the Japanese officials. Secondly after December permits could only be obtained if the Gendarmerie Headquarters approved. During December several Indians were removed from the Shirogan Maru, because instead of having a "Round Trip Pass" (To Hong Ching) they had evacuation passes (Lei Kong Ching). ir. Chiu Tse Wen has helped me in another matter, he has written to the Political Council at Chungking, requesting a Rest House be provided for Indian Refugees from Hong Kong that they can be saved hotel charges when they arrived in Tchekam, and I understand a favourable reply is being expected.
The attitude of Japanese officers and officials towards the present war is pessimistic nowadays, they have not the optimism they had during the middle of last year. They are upset about the German reverses in Africa and Russia. In order to increase their man power that they can recruit Chinese troops and police for garrison duty they have one of the main reasons for declaring war on England and the U.3.A. By promoting Chinese police to be members of the Gendarmerie Corps, they have sent away about 2,000 Chinese members of the Police force to places like Singapore etc., Also press gangs operate who suddenly descend upon residences and pack away in lorries young men. Nothing is heard afterwards concerning these. Also young men, disappear after having left their homes. Doctors also have been sent away quietly. The Japs explain that since China (Wang Ching Wei) has declared war on the European Powers, it is the duty of the Chinese to help their motherland. 7,000 Chinese troops of the Puppet Government have been sent away to Singapore from Chungshan district. The Japs are now concentrating getting men in this manner to do police and garrison duty in the occupied places.
Although rumours state that among civilian prisoners the rations have been improved with the addition of meat daily, but I cannot confirm this. I only know that meat is provided 4 ozs. each person twice a week.
I understand that r. Paul Braga of Giman Motors, left Hong Kong about the end of November 1942. I have information that he has disposed quite a lot of motor parts to the Japanese authorities which probably are the goods of essrs. Gilman and Co., I met him in Tchekam and I was informed by my friend Mr. Wong Hok Lai that his activities are uncertain, as he is aware that r. Braga was on intimate terms with many Japanese officials.
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I understand that two dancing girls Miss Koon Man Li and Yau Rudy are here. They are financed by Jap agents in Tchekam.
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