Einige neues kam, aber ich noch nicht hörte.
Wir neu kũchen haben und sie heute mittag starten.
((Jill Fell's translation:
Some news came but I haven’t heard it yet.
We have new cooks and they start at noon today.))
Pages tagged:
The following day ((ie the 11th)) after food supplies had been taken aboard we were again under way.
To St Stephens, heard A.T. Lay playing ((piano)).
Mrs G moved out today, we have changed beds around.
We stenos at hospital are to have holidays. ((i.e. not just days off)).
Muriel McCaw has been in hospital (Military) for 2 months, has had all her hair cut off, lost a lot of weight, weak voice.
We are already a day out. The 12 days will soon pass and we shall be nearing N.Y.
After supper we had a long talk with the Thodes and Zimmermanns and got to bed rather late.
Almost half way through another month, thank God!
The unfortunate British Communal Council, some 10 days ago, published a letter which had been sent to the C.S. in which they reported that they had resigned en bloc, before, even, the above mentioned resolution had been put to the public for signatures. They did the noble thing by offering to remain in office until Mr Gimson could take over office and until the new Council was elected. The C.S. thanked them and requested them to remain in office until 15th August.
Received $14 from govt. - only worth 3 and a half yen, but a great help.
Tales that many of the men ((POWs in other camps)) have died of diphtheria.
Miss Hill ((Eve, a Nursing Sister)) re-started at shorthand.
Today the outside swimming pool was opened. Since it was still cold and windy, Lenny did not go in.
This afternoon I went to the movies.
After supper I did a lot of writing in my diary.
R.E. Stott escaped from French Hospital – capture reported
((More about Yvonne's birthday party on the 6th ...)) Maudie had invited both of us to have lunch with her! I should think that was making history in Stanley - except perhaps amongst the more fortunate Americans. It was really very pleasant to have a change of scenery on this special occasion - not that we dislike our stable companions by any means! - but it made it seem much more of a special occasion. Maudie had prepared a lovely luncheon with no rice!
Fine.
Swim.
$14.
No news. Will the Russians pack in?
((Dates approximate.))
We soon discovered that we had taken on more than food, as a contingent of F.B.I. men had also boarded in order to screen the passengers before the ship arrived in New York. We had to fill out some rather lengthy forms which the men examined and on the basis of which they later questioned us. Even before this they had investigated our background with our parent’s neighbors. The government was not taking any chances.
Mr Stott ('Bok') at French Hospital escaped, and now no more folk are allowed to go there from camp for x-ray. ((Stott was married to a Chinese lady.))
Rumour that 'Eagle' has been sunk, Mrs. G's boy is on her.
Vatican has sent camp $150,000 - it will be about 1 Yen each.
The rumours of 4-point invasion of Europe are said to be false.
The last meeting of the British Communal Council. Its successor body (see tomorrow's entry) will be named the British Community Council as it's felt that's less revolutionary in its implications.
It’s getting warmer and it’s really very nice out. Also very smooth going. I’m trying very hard to get Leonard’s sweater done.
We packed one bag today, another will be fixed tomorrow.
Russians to demand passage of fleet from Black Sea?
Fine.
No authentic Allied news although all seems to be in our favour.
Jap paper says Berlin reports that 'Eagle' has been sunk.
Softball match tonight on the Indian Quarters Green, men dressed in various Stanley fashions - one in a hula skirt, one in Mae Westish costume, played against a regular girls' team. Later, community singing there.
Police have made gardens now in front of the block to which they have been moved, and there's a V-shaped piece of land in a corner, a V planted inside it. (('V' for Victory!))
The Maryknoll Diary notes that as punishment for the escape of R. E. Stott no-one's to be allowed to go to the French Hospital for X-rays for one month.
The British Communal Council, which is elected today, is renamed the British Community Council (see also August 18).
Source:
BCC: HK Public Records Office, HKRS112, Catalogue; G. B. Endacott and Alan Birch, Hong Kong Eclipse, 1978, 208
Note:
Leonard has been swimming twice today. We took a snap at the pool. It’s getting hotter.
Softball concert at I.Q. Ground
Donation of $15,000 from the Vatican for internees announced on notice board.