10 Aug 1943, Harry Ching's wartime diary

Submitted by Admin on Sat, 03/23/2013 - 17:16

((Following text not dated:))

Li Shu Fun ((medical doctor at Yeung Wo Hospital)) missing. Allegedly in for dealing medicines or being questioned about brother Li Shu Pui who got permit temporary visit Macao and didn't come back. Rumour Eurasian crisis next month when passes expire. Yarn is we be given choice of Chinese or Japanese subjects or being interned as British. Wondering what to do. Unsettling uncertainty.

Rosary Hill seminary at Stubbs Road being half taken as hostel for dependants of prisoners of war and civilian internees. Smiths advised. Muriel ((Cameron, wife of Policeman Bill Cameron interned in Stanley)) says won't go. But many people keen. Some not dependants. If one son a Volunteer call themselves dependants. Basto thinks bad time will be had. No cooking in rooms.

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Li Shu-Fan was missing because he'd put into operation a carefully prepared escape plan, first lulling Japanese suspicions by ostentatiously  playing mahjong, taking ballroom dancing lessons and doing everything to appear as if he had given up politics for pleasure. He left Hong Kong on July 30 disguised as a fisherman and arrived in Free China on August 1.