Nothing the Japanese can do will break the British spirit. An example of this occured during the summer of 1942 when it was the habit to hold open air concerts in the early part of the evening. The Japanese were quick to see the propaganda value of this and during one of the performances several high ranking officials appeared accompanied by camera men. The audience end performers sensed the reason and every time the cameras clicked hands shot up from every aide giving the sign "y" for victory and cheering loudly.
A few days later we were informed by the Chinese Buperintendents that every film had been ruined and that there was "great anger up the hill. As a result concerts were banned and internees forbidden to gather in groups except for Sunday services. Since then, permission for a few official concerts has been granted, but it is interesting to note that practically every week-end in the hall of St. Stephen's 'one will find a "full dress rehearsal" of some play or concert in progress!
If the Red Cross supplies shipped on board "Tei-A Maru" have reached the Camp, they will do much to alleviate suffering and boost morale, otherwise it is feared that many of the elderly and sick will succumb to starvation this winter.
I witnessed the arrival to Stanley Prison of Sir vandeleur Grayburn and Mr. Streatfield of the Hong Kong & Shanghai sanking Corporation.
They were driven to the prison in a grey Vauxhall car and from our quarters we surreptitiously watched the proceedings. Sir Vandeleur was handcuffed,
and Mr. Streatfield bound with his hands in his pockets. In this state they were made to stand in the courtyard for some considerable time. They appeared to be emaciated and very haggard,
A second car (small van) contained many Chinese tied together and arrived at the same time. It is presumed that they were connected with the case.
Hon. Er. Qimson endeavoured to learn the nature of charges without avail.
Some time during August 1943, the Japanese authorities on the prison staff informed Kr. Ginson that Sir Vandeleur had died. The body was handed over at the prison gates and taken to the camp mortuary, but as it had been kept by the Japanese for days after death, it was in a state of decomposition. Our medical opinion was that death was due to cardiac beri-beri.
The Japanese returned with the remains an unopened bottle of vitamin pills which Lady Greyburn had sent in to her husband many weeks prior to his death, and which may have helped his condition had he been permitted to take them.
Sir Vandeleur was buried in rice Bucke as ure all who die in Stanley Internment Camp.
27
Field cards are allowed each month from immediate relatives in Camp to local Prisoner of War Camps. often took six months for cards to be exchanged between Kowloon and Hong Long. The day prior to our sailing - September 22nd caràs for rebruary and March reached internees.
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