C
p
y
To:
SAVINGRAM
3
1 6 1947
16
Ackad.
Secretary of State fot the Colonies
From:
Governor, Hongkong
No : Date :
267
22nd October 1946
$7
The Seminary of the Dominion Fathers at Rosary Hill Stubbs Road, was leased by the Procurator in Hongkong for the Dominican Missions in the Far East to the local delegate of the International Red Cross Committee ( Geneva-Switzerland) on 20th December 1943. These premises were used as a Red Cross Home for non- interned dependents of British and Allied prisoners of war and civilian internees and tother destitute non- Chinese persons. It was supported by a monthly remit- tance of British funds received from Geneva.
2.
On the 22nd October 1945, Rosary Hill was taken over by the British Military Administration and subsequently requisitioned in December for use of a centre for civilian repatriates and destitute persons. The building had fallen into disrepair during the war and certain essential repairs and improvements were made to put it in order. Further expenditure will be necessary to restore the building to a good and tenan- table condition.
3.
The delegate of the International Red Cross Committee has informed the Government that he wrote to his Geneva Committee suggesting that contingent liabi- lities under the terms of the lease for repairs and replacements should be assumed by the British Red Cross.
4.
Parts of Rosary Hill have been derequisi- tioned from time to time and restored to the Dominioan Fathers and the necessary repairs effected. Other repaira will be necessary from time to time until Rosary Hill is finally returned to its owners.
5.
It is understood that Mr.R. Zindel, delegate of the International Red Cross Committee was to discuss this matter with the competent authorities in London and Geneva, but, since his return to Europe, no further information has been received on this matter.
6.
It will be appreciated if the question of fi- nancial responsibility for restoring Rosary Hill to its former condition could be taken up with the British Red Cross.