3.
77
the Guards is on the whole indifferent, though some are distinctly friendly. Surprise searches of the living quarters take place from time to time.
4.
GENERAL.
Food parcels and messages are allowed from time to time but none was allowed in at the time of their escape as a result of an attempted escape by a party of about six Regulars and Volunteers who were betrayed to the Japanese by a comrade and caught in the act. (They were taken away afterwards and their fate is unknown). The canteen is not open at present, but when it is, only those P.0.W. with money (e.g. Volunteers) can patronise it, which leads to such discontent amongst the have-nots. There seems to be a certain amount of jealousy in the camp between Regulars and Volunteers, though in other respects morale is high. Only one officer in charge of each unit is left in the Camp, making a total of about 20, the remainder having been sent to Argyle Street. Cricket is being played and inter-unit competitions take place with cigarettes as prizes. There is a rumour that the Japanese are going to enforce daily drill. They have already enforced daily P.T. after morning muster parade, which all except hospital cases must attend. There seems to be little inclination on the part of officers to help individual would-be escapees though plans have been made, working parties arranged, etc., for an organised break out of the camp in the event of an outside diversion. The Camp band does much to keep up spirits and morale concert parties are held under "Dodger" Green, Royal Signals, from time to time. The number of sentries has been reduced but previous means of escape have been blocked up by the Japanese, who are constantly on the alert to prevent further escapes. It appears that so far all outside attempts to communicate with the inside of the camp have failed as there is still complete ignorance amongst the rank and file as to the friendly welcome which awaits them outside the camp. Authentic news, together with fantastic Japanese-inspired rumours, circulate within the camp and it is thought that someone in the camp still possesses a radio-receiving set. Japanese newspapers in English arrive in the camp fairly regularly and a means of communication with inside through the Advertisement columns is being considered. The Sappers are of the opinion that if it were known inside the camp that help was awaiting outside there would be many more escapes. Working parties outside the camp have been discontinued for about 2 months.
B. ARGYLE STREET
All Officers, beyond those specified in A above, are now in
Argyle