Diary pages from this date

June came and we were told that the U.S. and Japanese governments had worked out a plan. Japanese nationals in the U.S. would be exchanged head for head with Americans in the camp.

We were required to present all books, pictures, etc. for censuring. Very few pictures and only books containing no writing or maps received this approval.

Of extreme importance was the opportunity we were given to go to Hong Kong and open our safety deposit boxes. I was allowed to take some valuable Mission Treasury papers and some personal documents.

Back at camp we were ordered to pack our belongings, making sure not to try smuggling anything out which was on the forbidden list.

Some trunks arrived today from Repulse Bay Hotel.  Mrs. Longworth ((in neighbouring room)) got one, and so did the Puckles Makes me think that perhaps some of our trunks at home ((Happy Valley flat)) may be more or less intact. ((They weren't... even the trunks had been taken))

Mrs G borrowed a razor and we all shaved under our arms - wonderful after all this time.

Mum doing fine.

Early in the morning Chinese and Indian policemen, with Japanese supervisors, search the hill behind the Camp. George Wright-Nooth is told that one of the Indian policemen was mauled by a tiger at about 2 a.m.

Two Salesians, Father Haughey and Brother Bernard Tohill, are allowed to leave camp.

Sources:

Tiger: George Wright-Nooth, Prisoner of the Turnip Heads, 1994, 97

Salesians: Maryknoll Diary, June 1

((Following text not dated:))

To Wanchai. Junk everywhere spread out on footpaths for sale. Children's playground a great junk market. Some of the stuff pathetic. Vendors evidently arrived late at scenes of looting.

Fine day.

Prison team won bowls 27-14.

Russians OK. Advance made from Brest? Formosa, China ports & Jap towns bombed.