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Special Announcement by the Men’s and Women’s Representatives 24/8/45 (A Report of Civilians in Changi Jail.)
By COFEPOW member Hilary Cunningham of New Zealand ( A Regular contributor to COFEPOW Website.)
What transpired at this meeting was written down by hand. COFEPOW has been given the following records, original papers were scanned , but we also have added a transcribed copy typed by Hilary for easy reading. Enjoy.
Karaki 18 days, Changi Prison 787 days, Simes Rd Camp 480 days} Total 1285
from 17th Feb 1942 to 24th August 1945
Special Announcement by the Men’s and Women’s Representatives
The Men’s representative together with the women’s representative accompanied by Mr C Davidson this afternoon had an interview with Gen. Saito, who was accompanied by Lt. Suzuki and several other persons. Gen. Saito said that the war is now at an end but that certain negotiations were still proceeding between Lord Louis Mountbatten and Gen Teiauchi. He hoped that we shall be able to proceed to our homes in the very near future. He enquired whether there was any special request we should like to make. Pressed for an indication as to the probable date of the arrival of British troops and our subsequent release, Gen. Saito replied that the exact date had not yet been fixed but he expected that these events would take place at the beginning of next month. As the result of further questioning I am able to announce the following:-
1) All smoking and lighting restrictions are abolished as from the issue of this notice. Revised lighting hours will be those as announced in the Men’s representative Special Bulletin No.1
2) The Nips will endeavour to send in supplies of eggs and fish which are specially needed for the Women’s Camp.
3) We may at the discretion of the Men’s representative proceed with the slaughter and consumption of the livestock at the camp farm.
4) The Nips will consider supplying us from now on with such concessions of the local English newspapers as may be available.
5) As from today any overseas news of a special and important nature will be communicated to us from the green house.
6) The Red Cross parcels which reached the Camp last evening, are released and will be distributed pro-rata to areas as soon as arrangements can be made by the C.Q.M.
7) It is expected that from 5 a.m. (TT) tomorrow British planes will fly over Singapore and will drop foodstuffs and other supplies. These may be picked up by internees within the camp boundary and should be collected under area arrangements and handed to the Quartermaster’s store. After these have been checked and seen by the camp supervisor they will be available for our release.
8) Sir Shenton Thomas has been released and is now staying together with his companions at a hotel in Mukden, but no further news regarding him is as yet available.
9) Gen. Saito regrets that for the present he cannot arrange meetings between internees and Prisoners of War relatives. Areas however, will submit through the Camp Enquiry office by mid-day tomorrow, a list of all Prisoners of War who are believed to be in Changi and about whom internees wish to make enquiries.
10) The Nips will endeavour to send us supplies of boots and shoes for both camps.
11) It is believed that the internees in Sumatra will be released at about the same time as ours.
12) Dr Winchester was called to the discussion and supplied information for the Nips regarding our urgent medical requirements and hospitalization.
The Nips will permit the holding of relatives meetings in The Orchard every afternoon until further notice from 2.30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Hospital visits will also take place every day for 1 hour commencing tomorrow (Saturday). The time will be announced later. There will be a Thanksgiving Service for the termination of The War for both camps in The Orchard this evening under the following arrangements: -
a. Roman Catholics 6.15 p.m. – 6.50 p.m.
b. Other denominations 7.00 p.m. – 7.40 p.m.
IMPORTANT Gen. Saito said that while the news he has been able to give us is very good for internees, it is of course the reverse for the Nips. He said that both he and Lt. Suzuki are very anxious indeed that every care should be exercised to avoid the occurrences of any incidents which may lead to misunderstanding and trouble between internees and the Nip troops who will guard the camp until the arrival of British troops. He pointed out that we would doubtless fully understand the feelings of the Nip soldiers in this respect and on this occasion he is unable to sanction anything in the nature of demonstrations, hoisting of flags, or the singing of the National Anthem. Both the Men’s and Women’s representatives assured the General that the Camp fully understood the situation and that all internees could be relied upon to play their part for such short time as we were still under Nip control.
The Men’s and Women’s representatives were treated with every courtesy throughout the interview.
In conclusion I wish on my behalf as well as that of Miss Hegarty, the Women’s representative to express deep appreciation to all internees for the loyal co-operation and restraint which they are exercising during these tense and difficult days. Occupying the position we do, we can assure you that the need for the continuance of as near a state of normalcy as possible is as great as ever, and we feel confident that you will all respond to the situation. In the interest of the safety of all of us, no internee should give the slightest provocation that might cause an incident between the Camp and the Nips.
C E Collinge
Men’s representative.
24/8/45
Images of Original Notes
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