The China Mail reports on its first page that the value of the Hong Kong Dollar has risen against the Chinese National Dollar, the US Dollar, and almost all forms of fresh food.
Slab sugar, peanut oil, pork, beef and duck have all fallen in price.
Page two carries an interesting and significant letter from 'a few ratings', which shows that nothing about 'old Hong Kong' was automatically changed by the deprivations of Stanley Camp:
Is Hong Kong so different ((from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA in all of which the ratings felt welcome)) after all? When comparing Ceylon, Bombay, Singapore and Hong Kong with the above we find it difficult to realise we are amongst, or anywhere near, anything which represents a democracy. A more supercilious, artificial and unnatural English speaking (Frightfully English - what?') set of snobs (what price Z.B.W.?) would be hard to find. It is not to be wondered that the Chinese, Europeans and Indians look at them so strangely. Is this a look of admiration - or?
It is regrettable that we have not met any Servicemen who, at present or in the past, have been connected in any way with a part of the civilian life - Officers yes, but men no. We have always been 'cold-shouldered' and made to feel as if we were social outcasts....
It is apparent that the Serviceman is still looked upon as a degrading element....We fought this War for democracy, but is it a democratic act to close the best hotels, such as the 'Lido', 'Repulse Bay' , 'Gloucester Hotel' and 'Pensinsular Hotel', except to the privileged few, which was the case in peace-time.
...Does the Leopard change its spots?
That is the question.
Note:
Z.B.W, was the Hong Kong radio station.