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surprise on Xmas a.n. at dawn when the Japanese broke into their place. The surprise was caused by the fact that they know nothing of the surrender of the colony. Some fathers were saying Mass and others were still in bed when the Japanese brɔke into the house. The Fathers were tied in sixes and taken to a garage at the foot of the hill where they were kept three days without food or water. Then through the intervention of Bishop VALTORTA (Note. Italian, a magnificent and saintly ald gentleman) they were allowed to return to their house which had been looted in the meantime. They then remained in the house for two weeks when the Japs took it over for Headquarters and the Fathers were removed to St Stephen's college (Episcopal School). Here the prisoners are better treated supposed to have enough to eat, and are allowed to say Mass. The British prisoners are kept in the warders' quarters of the Hong Kong prison. Thus the Bishop was in that place while Frs. Arthur and Ronald were with the Americans at St Stephen's College. At one time our Bishop and Fr.Ronald were allowed to go into Hong Kong to get some kind of a pass from the authorities, but they were picked up en route by some soldiers and confined to a Chinese Hotel where they remained for ten days or more.... The fact the Brethren are now getting better food to eat...is a big relief to us.....From all reports those in PEKING are 0.K."
ESCAPE INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT FOR FOREIGNERS.
(Q) Letter from Dwight W.EDWARDS, Y.M.C.A., Chungking, dated 5.4.42. This is the covering letter of the Report on Hong Kong quoted above.
Our
A few people have escaped from the concentration camp.. It is however, a difficult task and fraught with considerable danger. Cari NEPRUD made the attempt but it was unsuccessful and he was badly beaten, though he has recovered since. general word is that conditions are gradually improving." NOTE: Carl NEPRUD is American national, and was reported as being free and working with Dr.SELWYN-CLARKE AND STAFF on public health, camp service etc. It is to be hoped that his attempt has not prejudiced the safety of the other members of this group.
It was reported by Miss P. HARROP that he was not interned and a later writer that he was in Dr.SELWYN-CLARKE'S group of workers.
1
Mandine
Lieut.Colonel,
Senior Censor, Calcutta.
Dated 13th MAY 1942.
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