COPY.
SUBJECT: - Conditions in HONGKONG.
SECRE T.
D.M.I. (M.I.2.c),
The War Office,
LONDON, S.W.1.
Reference: M.408/2
195
COPY TO:-
I forward herewith 2 copies of a report by Lieut.Colonel L.T. RIDE, C.0. Hong Kong Field Ambulance, on the conditions in Hong Kong immediately subsequent to the surrender, with particular reference to the deplorable lack of medical facilities for British wounded and sick P.0.W. That this situation is the result of deliberate policy on the part of the Japanese military authorities there can be no doubt. Should there be no improvement before the hot weather starts it must be anticipated that a very high percentage of mortality will occur amongst the unfortunate P.O.W.
G.II.Q. INDIA. G.H.Q. JAVA.
Embassy.
2.
Lieut.Colonel RIDE himself displayed great energy, initiative and resource in making his escape and in my opinion his effort is deserving of some recognition.
3.
With the object of attempting to alleviate the situation in the camp by snuggling in certain urgently required medical stores I am sending Lieut. Col. RIDE back to KVANGTURG fortiwith. I hope that with the help of certain Chinese military authorities, both regular and guerilla this will be possible. Lieut.Col. RIDE would also investigate the possibility of facilitating the escape of further personnel from the P.0.W. camp, but until he has arrived in the area and looked into the possibilities I cannot express any views on the probable success of this venture. I have arranged to finance him out of my Imprest Account.
British Embassy, Chungking.
24th February, 1942.
(Sgd.) G.E. Grinshaw,
Brigadier
H.B.A.Military Attache.