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Establishment of 1501.
2
1
H.K.V.D.C.
3.
The majority of European personnel of the H.K.V.D.C.
have been repatriated, but there remain in Hong Kong some
600 Portuguese and Chinese Volunteers, who, together with
their dependants, have been fed, and to a great extent re-
clothed. The mobilised Volunteers those who were interned
as soldiers by the Japanese were given demobilisation
leave w.e.f. 25 Oct. There is however, a big problem ahead
in deciding entitlement to pay, and War Gratuities, of those
Volunteers who went to their homes in December 1941, and
either remained at large throughout the War, or were interned
as civilians. Legal advice has already been obtained on the
subject, which has also been referred to the War Office.
QUARTERING.
4.
In September, when all the Services were in urgent need
of accommodation, and ex-internees had to be provided for, it
was difficult to reconcile conflicting demands. Consequently
the C-in-C appointed a Quartering Commandant and a temporary
staff to work under the C.C.A A.0. A census of the accommodation
in the Colony has been made, and an organization to deal with
arrivals, is now in being. The situation is satisfactory for
Difficulties however, will undoubtedly recur when
the owners of property occupied by the Services, return to
carry on their businesses.
the moment.
RATIONING AND MEALS.
5.
The shortage of European food and high prices, have
made it necessary to provide meals from rations, or to issue
rations to personnel in Essential Services, who require
European food. At first the shortage of currency, and the
fact that the majority of civilians were drawing no salaries,
rendered the supplying of free meals and rations unavoidable.
Conditions are now changed, however, and unentitled personnel
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