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whole, the Indians maintained their loyalty although a minority did co-operate. The Indian other ranks were separated from their Indian officers in furtherance of these attempts and the efforts against the officers were equally unsuccessful. It was reliably sta ted that a number of the officers were executed, twelve being executed at one time. One Indian guard refused to salute a Japanese officer, who slapped the guard's face, whereupon he shot the officer.
(5) Indian Independence League. In connection with the League, the informant was at pains to emphasize that membership did not imply that the man was a traitor. No Indian could obtain rations or a Third National pass unless he joined the League and anyone without such a pass was liable to arrest. Civilians who wished to escape had to join the League. Those with money were forced to subscribe although they did not accept its principles. Many merchants had to join and there were approximately 150 Hindi merchants from Hyderabad, Sind, who although having joined the League, were very bitter against its officials. They and many others were disgusted at the type of person obtaining money from other Indians and living in luxury, In addition, officials of the League claimed the right to handle the business affairs of Indians who happened to be away from Hong Kong, whether interned or "out of town". This was another means of obtaining "funds" which were stated to be devoted entirely to League activities.
The head of the League in Hong Kong was Mr. Khan, who had previously been Secretary of Queen Mary's Hospital. He had a very good record among
uropeans and it was at first assumed that he was pretending to support the League for the purpose of obtaining information and passing it on to other quarters. It was later found that he was completely pro-Japanese and really pleased with the "New Order". He subsequently proceeded to Bangkok, where it is believed he assumed control of League activities.
In
(6) Food. Foodstuffs were not easily obtainable. The rice which was issued to internees was unuseable, broken and dirty and seemed to be the sweepings of "go-downs". Philippines were treated well and were not required to pay for their rations (at Stanley Camp). The Indians were also regarded as favoured but the continuance of favourable treatment depended on their reactions. the camp the Japanese gave rice and water twice a day and only those with money were able to obtain other supplies. Fortunately, supplies of tea and coffee and certain tinned goods were procurable at a price.
at a price. This increased Indian dislike of the Japanese, although the suffering was not limited to Indians. At one time, the informant stated that 500 people were dying of starvation on the streets of Hong Kong daily.
A -
(7) International Red Cross Committee and relief generally. The Hong Kong delegate of the I.R.C.C. (Dr. Zindel) was regarded with suspician by the European community, partly on account of the stupid statement made by Monsieur Egli, the other Red Cross delegate, that everything under Japanese control was wonderful. Monsieur Egli later explained that he knew things were far from right but thought he could get more out of the Japanese by supporting them than by criticizing. He did not realise the use to which the Japanese would out his foolish statement. Dr. Zindel was a good business man with an excellent office and system. He was most anxious to do all he could and the Tapanese hand promised certain facilities which had not been fulfilled. applied specially in regard to visits to camps in regard to hich he Japanese continually made excuses to prevent his visiting prison camps, Although he had been promised permission so to visit.
This
The supplies sent by the diplomatic relief ships had arrived in Hongkong just before the informant left. Dr. Zindel stated that wonderful supplies had arrived for the Indians and this news was conveyed to them in the different camps. The distribution of food had been arranged and informant was shown by Dr. Zindel exactly how it was intended that it should be distributed. The papers relative to this and other matters had to be destroyed before the informant left Japanese controlled territory owing to the danger of his carrying documents of this nature. Zindel was not too optimistic about the atta, etc., being given to the Indians. He had previously seen American supplies of cracked wheat fed to the Japanese horses and ponies and he thought it possible that the Japanese might do the same with the atta. was no direct evidence that supplies had been diverted to Japanese purposes but there was a complete absence of information to show that
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the