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however, prevent them calling upon him for help and guidance and much of his valuable time was used in attending to them professionally and in furnishing the very needy cases with funds from his own meagre pocket.
In addition there were many not covered by committees, and for these Dr. Selwyn-Clarke opened a special destitutes account in May or June, 1942, with funds supplied, in the first instance, by the American Red Cross. There were large numbers of persons, mainly Eurasians, who had been forced to call themselves third nationals simply because, even though there was no question that they could claim either British or American nationality, they had been refused permission to go to Stanley Camp. The vast majority of these were women and children greatly in need of help which was given both professionally and in the form of payment of hospital fees. These people, in fact, received (unofficially) as much assistance and attention as did the dependants of internees and prisoners-of-war. The I.R.C. would not accept responsibility for them and payments and assistance to them was therefore continued until the time of Dr. Selwyn-Clarke's arrest. I think it is fortunate that most of them have been able to leave the Colony during the past few months as those remaining are now likely to find their lives in je opardy.
(vii) Milk.
One of the most outstanding problems was that of the supply of milk to the children and the sick, and the difficulties met by Dr. Selwyn-Clarke were colossal.
From the very commencement the Japanese were against assisting to any great extent, but after a good deal of trouble they were persuaded in the early days to supply without charge between 3,000 and 4,000 bottles of fresh milk daily. This milk was distributed between dependants of internees and prisoners-of-war, the Bowen Road and St. Albert's Military hospitals, civilian hospitals, and the hospital and children at Stanley Camp. This bulk supply was not, however, forth- coming for any lengthy period as the Japanese soon found they could sell these supplies to their advantage. After gradually cutting down quantities, they eventually demanded payment for the balance and this resulted in the Japanese Medical Authorities refusing further help.
The question of funds then became the major problem and this he surmounted by obtaining permission from his wife to use funds belonging to the Foreign Auxiliary. The Japanese were persuaded to agree to this and withdrawals, amounting in all to over 45,000 Dollars were made from time to time from a Chinese bank. With this money he purchased 400 bottles daily. Approximately half of this supply was sent out daily to Stanley Camp where so much was needed for the children. The balance was supplied to Bowen Road Military Hospital and other hospitals and institutions until the Japanese Military Authorities finally refused to allow further supplies into Bowen Road.
The price of milk was increased from time to time and by the end of 1942 no further funds remained of the Foreign Auxiliary loan. It was about this time that Dr. Selwyn-Clarke was informed by Mr. Oda, the then head of the Foreign Affairs Department, that he was not permitted to receive further anonymous funds, but these were found even
The 400 bottles though the I.R.C. refused to meet payment.
of milk per day from 1st January to 31st March, 1943, cost approximately M.Y. 10,000 (i.e. 40,000 Hong Kong Dollars) but was of so much importance that it could not be discontinued. In April, 1943, the I.R.C. reluctantly agreed to pay, but when I sent a message to them about this supply, just after Dr. Selwyn-Clarke's arrest and before my own internment, they
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