CO129-579-9 Sino-Japanese War- release of interned Chinese soldiers 27-1-1939 - 7-12-1939 — Page 38

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Enclosure No.2.

by the most rigorous methods but also to render the feasibility

of such attempts more difficult.

2.

I enclose also a copy of a police account of a

successful escape by over one hundred men from the camp, an

occurrence which I much regret. While it cannot be denied that

greater forethought on the part of the Police should have

detected its possibility I trust that you will agree with me

that they are not greatly to blame in present circumstances. The over-crowded state of the town, the presence of very large numbers of homeless refugees among whom are many of a criminal type and the resulting increase of crime are laying an abnormal burden on the shoulders of the Force. Moreover the camp in which these men are interned was designed to contain destitutes, and

principally women, children and infirm men at that. A good

deal was done to strengthen and heighten the wire fences enclosing the camp but the manholes escaped notice. All manholes in the camp area which might facilitate further escapes by this method have now been permanently sealed down.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

J

1.00. Korthest

Governor.