Diary pages from this date

Death of architect John Car Clark.

This morning's meeting of the British Community Council is interrupted by a request for Franklin Gimson to go to Japanese Headquarters to meet Maejima, who has recently returned from Japan. The camp has been expecting him to bring back firm news of repatriation, but he refuses to say anything more on the subject. Gimson believes the Japanese will take no action until their proposals have been finalised, but from Maejima's conversation he gathers that the repatriation of the women and children is certain and that most of the men will follow at a later date. It's this male repatriation that is delaying matters. Gimson produces a notice giving details of his talk with Maejima, but is told it would have a depressing effect on the camp - it's not clear if he actually has it posted or not.

Sources:

Clark: Philip Cracknell at http://battleforhongkong.blogspot.co.uk/

Gimson: GImson Diary, p. 12 (verso) and page 13 (recto, Weston Library, Oxford

"Gilbert & Sullivan" (Macnamara)

Maeijima, Hattori visited Camp

B.O.

Majima arrived but he had nothing of interest to report according to the bulletin.

Comm. work am Bon helped.

((G))

To Steve’s pm & started on blanket bag for M.

Bread, jam & coffee with Webbers. ((Probably fellow Prison Officer W E Webber))

Fine day.

((G))