The vigorous newspaper debate about the nature of post-war Hong Kong's 'Europeans' continues.
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Cecil Harcourt, head of the military adminstration, sends out letters thanking those who sent food, money and other necessities into the camps.
One is received by Melitza ('Lila') Pio-Ulski, piano teacher and wife of George Pio-Ulski, the leader of the orchestra at the Hong Kong Hotel before and during the occupation. They had not been interned because of their Russian nationality.
Bernard Tohill boards the S.S. Tamaroa for the three day voyage to Shanghai. He will live close by in Nantao until his ordination as a priest on July 1, 1948.
The correspondent 'Dig In' works for the Government-run Civil Labour Control and assures readers that, contrary to previous claims, he and his fellows are doing their best to put an end to the exploitation of 'coolies' bycontractors who take a significant portion of their earnings for getting them work.
REPATRIATION NOTICE NO. 35
H.M.S. “GERUSALEMME”
(1) The undermentioned are listed for embarkation:-
AUSTRALIA
REPATRIATION NOTICE No. 36
MANILA, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.
1. The undermentioned are listed for H.M.S. “VINDEX” which will be sailing for Australia.
AUSTRALIA:-
- Mr G. F. L’Estrange,
- Mr and Mrs W. G. C. Ham and children,
- Mr and Mrs M. Chin and son.
NEW ZEALAND:-
- Mr H. V. Thorne.
MANILA:-
Lieutenant Peckham deny reports that Japanese residents of the internment camp at Stanley Fort have been allowed to go into Hong Kong without escort - they are always accompanied, he claims, although not neccesarily by the commandoes who run the Camp. They are allowed out, one or two per day, to buy things like food, winter clothing or paint for the Camp. Some are needed to help in the liquidation of the Yokohama Specie Bank or to answer questions about the institutions they ran during the occupation.
Ssiter Mary Paul of the Maryknoll Convent writes to General Officer Commanding, Major-General F. W. Festing.
REPATRIATION NOTICE No. 37
AMERICAN CITIZENS ONLY
The undermentioned persons are warned to stand by in readiness to leave for MANILA (en route for U.S.A.) by H.M.S "Glory” which may leave Hong Kong on Wednesday, 21st November or, shortly afterwards.
Instructions as to places and times for embarkation will be published later.
Those who have not received certificates from the United States Consul and who desire to be repatriated must call at the Consulate and also on the Repatriation Officer before 4 p.m. Tuesday, 20th November.
Mrs M. A. Boulton
A report on page 2 of today's China Mail throws some light on a little-known aspect of the occupation.
REPATRIATION NOTICE NO. 39
“H.M.S. GLORY”
1. The undermentioned are listed for embarkation:—
MANILA:—
Miss D. W. K. Chin & two brothers, Mr & Mrs C. R. Jonsson and daughter, Mrs Cheong Gown, Miss Ching Chui-moi, Mstr Ching Fai-keung, Mr A. R. Yvanovich, Mrs Chin She, Mstr Adam Kam Chee Goon, Mstr Ken Loon Goon, Mr & Mrs Der Gon-jung and family.
H.K.V.D.C. — Capt. D. L. Strellett.
The Hahn-Boxer romance is international news. Today's Daily Mirror (page 5 ) reports that Major Boxer, arrived in Los Angeles, has told Associated Press that, although he's not sure if he's officially divorced ((from Ursula Tulloch)) he'll marry Emily Hahn as soon as he can.
The headline in the China Mail announces an 'important milestone' in Hong Kong's economic rehabiitation - the lifting of trade restrictions except on items that are controlled globally, such as rice, flour and canned meat - Hong Kong is allocated its share of the world supply and it's the Administration's job to bring them in (unless merchants can source them from ports along the China coast).
Major W. G. E. Eggleton, Government Biochemist and Adviser in Nutrition, sums up part of the experience of the Chinese majority during the occupation, and shows some of the new spirit. He told the China Mail:
Nutritionally the people of Hong Kong suffered greatly under the Japanese, especially during the last six months of the occupation when all essential services were becoming increasingly disorganised.
He continued:
A letter on the second page of today's China Mail gives a vivid picture of life for so called 'third nationals' (neither Allied nor Axis citizens) during the occupation and tells a story that reminds us how many courageous actions were never known about or quickly forgotten.
A meeting called by David MacDougall is held this morning to consider the current situation with regard to the investigation, arrest and prosecution of 'quislings and collaborators'. Those present include BAAG agent Marcus da Silva and Stanley Camp escaper W. P. 'Tommy' Thompson, now a Lieutenant-Colonel.
Constance Lam dies in Queen Mary Hospital.
Source:
http://archive.org/stream/alumnaenewsapr1946unse/alumnaenewsapr1946unse…
Today's China Mail (page 2) returns to the subject of the contrast in the treatment of former internees in Australia and the UK: a letter dated November 26 from a 'well-respected' businessman sparks both an article and an editorial.
Flour had been brought to Hong Kong by the relief force, but when it came to using it to bake, there were huge problems. The main pre-war bakery - Lane, Crawford's in Stubbs Rd - had been used during the occupation to salt fish, and make rattan baskets and military buttons. Thomas Edgar, who resumed his wartime role as supervisor of bakeries, has been working with crew from the repair ship H.M.S.
Page one of the China Mail reports, under yesterday's date, that General MacArthur has ordered the arrest of Colonel Gennosuke Noma as a suspected war criminal. Noma was head of the Hong Kong Kempeitai for most of the occupation, and he was eventually executed for crimes that included the mistreatment of prisoners and actions taken as part of the Japanese policy of forcing large numbers of Chinese to leave Hong Kong.
The China Mail (page 2) reports that, at a meeting held at the vicarage of St. Andrew's, Dorothy Lee was elected Commissioner of the Girl Guides.
The Dairy Farm announces the sale from tomorrow of a 'limited quantity' of Australian full cream powdered milk at $1.70 per pound packet. Customers may buy one packet only. (China Mail, page 5).