72
Extracted
54186
The question of the nationality of children born in the camp or in other parts of the Colony to parents of British Nationality, during the occupation by the Japanese, also probably requires decision. I know that people in Hong Kong have expressed concern over this question. Possibly it has already been answered, but the answer should be published in Hong Kong.
3) Fassports and Identity Certificates: Many people lost their passports as a result of the occupation. Others who had passports, applied to have them renewed when their validity expired. When there seemed to be a possibility of repatriation, it was decided to endorse existing passports whether over 10 years old or not with a form of renewal stating that the holder was interned at Stanley and that the passport was renewed until such time as a new passport could be obtained, and that the holder still retained his or her British Nationality. At the same time temporary certificates were issued stating the names and particulars of the holder and that he or she was interned. In some cases a photograph was attached, in others thumb prints were included. Where the nationality of the holder could be established this was included, in others no statement was made. In the case of women married in the camp their maiden names were included. Endorsements and certificates were given to non-British internees if they applied.
At first Mr. Gimson signed as Colonial Secretary and
Representative of H.B.M. Government. The Japanese objected to this and many certificates and passports were altered. Later he signed as "Camp Commandant" and later still as "Representative of Internees".
Most people in camp were known to the Passport Officer,
Mr. Thorpe, who was in the Passport Office before the Japanese war. The usual form of enquiry and guarantee was followed and a register of passport endorsements and certificates was maintained.
When I applied to the Foreign Office for new passports for myself and my wife the other day, the officer accepted my old passport endorsed in camp, my wife's temporary certificate and copy of entry in the marriage register kept in the camp. F.O. Passports Nos. 95275 and 95276 were issued to us on 1st October 1945. It might be advisable to warn the Foreign Office that internees from H.K. returning to England may produce passports endorsed in camp or temporary certificates when applying for new passports. I expect that applications will also be received in Australia, New Zealnd, India and possibly Canada, and also perhaps at Consulates. It might also be advisable to publish some notice calling upon people from Hong Kong to hand in such documents and obtain new passports as soon as possible.
I trust that the above information may be of some assistance, I shall be very pleased to answer any other questions or give the names of those in a position to do so, if I can be of any further assistance.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(Sga)
?
R. J. MINNITT
Colonial Administrative Service
Hong Kong.