SECRET
Orig on 14271/10/47/1944
CEYLON CENSORSHIP
Extract from Report of the Chief Censor
for the month of June 1944.
6. Conditions in Honkkong.
Chang Fu Yun (
), Waitsap,
2.2
13
Kwangsi to Cheung Shong Yin. (
•
)
c/o J.D. Cocker, H. M. Naval Vict. Depot. Room 29(2/11) Gaffoor Bldgs., Colombo dated, 11.4.44 - s/s CEYLON NO.1077/44.
Summary:
Writer describes the arrest of "Mr. Kent,
Mr. Hewson, and the storehouse staff." They were arrested at Aberdeen: changed camps several times: North Point Arguille St. Kowloon and finally taken to the camp at Thumsuipo (which was originally for Canadian troops). Writer was able to visit these Europeans only up to 25.1.42. After that he was allowed to visit the camp and see the Europeans from a distance of 200 to 300 yards. Writer and Indian storehousemen put together some money to purchase food etc. for the prisoners but do not know that it ever reached them. He left Hongkong in October, 1942.
He states that while the prisoners in Stanley were not required to do any work those in Thumsuipo "and other places" were required to do daily work particularly on the extension of the Kai Tak airfield at Kowloon.
He thinks that unless Hongkong is soon relieved the consequence to these prisoners will be serious. He doubts whether Mr Hewson could survive the life in the camp.
He states also that the Chinese in Honkong were nɛlf-starved pale and sick.
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