Diary pages from this date

We were agreeably surprised when we caught our first glimpse of Japan. It was really beautiful at Moji, which is at the entrance to the Inland Sea. Numerous small green hilly islands dotted the water, and many flowers and shrubs made a colourful picture, with the mountains providing a splendid background.

The weather was cold, dry, and snow could be seen on the nearby hills.

On disembarkation, we were surrounded by Japanese medical orderlies, in white coats, who sprayed each of us, from head to foot, with a delousing powder. The Japanese were really concerned that diphtheria and dysentery must not be imported into Japan. After this, we were escorted to a railway siding (in great discomfort due to lack of footwear). More than 30 POWs who were so sick that they could not walk were taken away to hospital, we were told. We were then herded on board a train and, wonder of wonders, were given a meal of rice and vegetable. 

X-rays can start going in again.  ((Patients who needed X-rays were allowed to go again. They had been suspended because Stott escaped from the French Hospital in town where the x-rays took place.))

Rosaleen's first wedding anniversary.  ((Her husband, Royal Scots, in Kowloon camp))

Eric MacNider summarises a 'long letter' from Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke, sent through his town-based Informal Welfare Committee, and received today. The doctor explains that, working with the Informal Welfare Committee, he arranged for families with small children to receive a parcel in June. At the same time he 'farmed out' others, especially single men, to those wiling to 'adopt' them. This explains why a few people have receeived parcels from unknown sources. Selwyn-Clarke believes many more would have been sent if it hadn't been for the depreciation of the dollar which led to price rises.

The IWC had arranged a second distribution on October 8th. It had believed that those who'd been 'adopted' were receiving parcels, but  now the whole matter would be revised.

The doctor asks those who have been 'left out in the cold' to accept his apologies for having 'failed them'.

MacNider comments, in Selwyn-Clarke's defence, that since he's not been able to visit the camp there has been no opportunity to discuss such matters and this is the first time the camp authorities had heard of the 'adoption' scheme and its probable breakdown.

Source:

MacNider Papers, '1942, Informal Welfare Parcels'

Notes:

It seems that the ban on Dr. Selwyn-Clarke's visits to Stanley - imposed because of R. E. Stott's escape from the French Hospital - was about to come to an end.

The dollar depreciation referred to is probably the switch from a rate of two HK$ to one Military Yen to four for a MY that was announced in the Hong Kong News on July 24.

fresh ((sp?)) internees issued with 5 1/2 oz. sugar and tinned goods.

Double 10th but no celebrations.

75 Japs killed?

Strong wind.

Fried bread & eggs at Steves.