hong kong red cross covers during the japanese...

Hong Kong Red Cross Covers during the Japanese Occupation 01/29/17

Hong Kong Red Cross Covers during the Japanese Occupation

Philippe Orsetti

January 29, 2017

The object of this Monograph is to make available, for further research, all the data concerning this subject that have been accumulated by the author over the years. The scope of this document is limited to the outgoing Red Cross covers from HK and excludes incoming covers. According to the HKSC Bulletin 231, Fred Stubens had indicated that these covers had been sold by the Red Cross to Harmer’s of New York by private treaty, around 1950, and the proceed had been issued for the United Nations Relief Fund. Several of them have been purchased by the author to be included in a Japanese Occupation exhibit. It became apparent that they exceeded the scope of a general Postal History Exhibit and only very few of them could be displayed. However, they represent enough interest to be the object of a more specific study to open the way for much further development.

Summary: - Table 1: Types of covers………………………………………………………………………. page 2 - Table 2: Postal rates description……………………………………………………………….. page 3 - Illustrations: Red Cross covers……………………………………………………………….. page 3 - Table 3: Current records of Red Cross mail from Hong Kong……………………….……….. page 16 - Appendix 1: Markings & label found on Red Cross covers……………………………..……. page 19 - Appendix 2: Itinerary of the Red Cross Mail from Hong Kong……………………………….. page 21 - Appendix 3: Rudolf Zindel, Delegate of the Red Cross in Hong Kong during the war……….. page 22 - Appendix 4: Eduard Egle, Delegate of the Red Cross in Shanghai during the war…………… page 25 - Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………………… page 25


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Table 1


Table 2: Postal Rates description

“Domestic” rates corresponded to the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere that included Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Manchukuo, Japan & China, including Shanghai.

“Foreign” rates were applicable to the rest of the world, including Geneva.

Letters (up to 20g.)

Period Domestic Foreign

1. Jan. 22, 17 (1942) to Mar. 31, 17 (1942) 4 sen 20 sen (1) 2. Apr. 1, 17 (1942) to Mar. 31, 19 (1944) 5 sen 20 sen (1) 3. Apr. 1, 19 (1944) to Apr. 15, 20 (1945) 7 sen 20 sen (1) (2) 4. Apr.16, 20 (1945) to Aug. 31, 20 (1945) 3.00 yen 4.50 yen (2)

(1) 12 sen for each additional 20 g (2) Unannounced, however research published in HKSCJ 308 supports these rates.

JR0: 32 sen (40g, 20s + 12s for two “Foreign” rate). Dated 17/12/12 Illustration 100% scale

Censored in Tokyo (see Appendix 1)


(Ebay)

JR1: 20 sen (80g, four 5 sen “Domestic” rate). Dated 18/2/10 Illustration 100% scale

Note: Dates are read as: year/month/day, where 17 means 1942 18 means 1943 19 means 1944 20 means 1945


JR1a: 5 sen “Domestic” rate for 20g. Dated 18-1-22 Illustration 100% scale


JR1b: 15 sen (60g, three “Domestic” rate). Dated 18-3-27 Illustration 100% scale


JR1c: 7 sen (20g, single “Domestic” rate for this period). Dated 20-2-22 Illustration 100% scale


JR2: 92 sen (140g, 20 sen + 6 x 12 sen for 7 “Foreign” rates). Dated 18-1-20 Illustration 90% scale

Note: This cover could have been rejected by the Japanese Postal Authorities because it is written in French, unauthorized language. Moreover, the cover does not specify the language used. It was mandatory, and it is shown in all the other envelopes types.


JR3: 1 Yen 76 sen (280g, 20 sen + 13 x 12 sen for 14 “Foreign” rates). Dated 18-6-2

Illustration 75% scale


Dynasty

JR4: 27 Yen (120g, 1 Yen x 2 + 5 Yen x 5 for probably 6 “Foreign” rates @ 4.50 Yen in effect, near the end of the occupation). Dated 20-6-8 Illustration 100% scale


JR5: 32 sen (40g, 20s + 12s for 2 “Foreign” rates.). Dated 18-3-20 Illustration 100% scale


JR5a: 44 sen (60g, 20s + 2 x 12s for 3 “Foreign” rates). Dated 19-1-13 Illustration 100% scale

Censored in Hong Kong (See Appendix 1)


JR5b: 44 sen (60g, 20s + 2 x 12s for 3 “Foreign” rates). Undated, not cancelled on departure. However, Geneva receiving date of 28 Feb 44 proves that this mail was carried.

Chinese Character "Geneva" struck and replaced by "Swiss Capital" Illustration 100% scale


Interasia 2008

JR5c: 34 sen (40g, 20s + 12s for 2 “Foreign” rates. 2 sen overpaid). Dated 19-8-6 Another “Swiss Capital” strike was added probably because the destination in Chinese was hidden by the censor’s label.

Illustration 100% scale


JR7: 116 sen (180g, 20s + 12s x 8 for 9 “Foreign” rates). Dated 20-3-21 Illustration 100% scale


Table 3 Current records of the Red Cross mail from Hong Kong


Appendix 1

Markings and Labels found on Hong Kong Red Cross Covers

- Mail Receiving marking

“Rėception du courrier” and date struck upon receipt in Geneva. Only two dates recorded so far, June 1st, 1944 and February 24, 1944.

- Boxed Censor Markings

This kind of marking was usually applied in Hong Kong on ordinary envelopes and postcards sent to and from prisoners Camps. There are five different types known. This is the 5th Type and the only one recorded so far on Red Cross envelopes.

It simply reads Censored / Hong Kong


- Censor strip

Censor Strip Japanese cancel Illustration 100% scale Illustration 100% scale A sealing strip was affixed in Tokyo on envelopes that had been opened for censorship; translation:

CENSORED GREATER JAPAN IMPERIAL POSTAL SERVICE

It was usually, but not always, canceled with a 24 mm circular Japanese cancel; translation:

Postal Service / the 9th / Censored The 9th district was corresponding to Hong Kong.


Appendix 2 Red Cross correspondence route between Hong Kong and Geneva According to the Red Cross, (as reported in HKSC # 117-3), POW mail matters, was generally carried as follow:

By Sea to Tokyo, then to Rashin (Korea), overland to Mukden (Manchukuo), then on Trans-Siberian railroad south route through the cities of Irkutsk, Novo Sibirsk, Alma Alta, Tashkent, Samarkand to Krasnovodsk, located on the Caspian Sea. Once more by sea to Baku. Then by railroad Again to Turkey from where it went to Trieste and then to Geneva, Switzerland. The journey would take five months to a year.


Appendix 3

Rudolf Zindel Born 5 February 1900, Sargans, Switzerland. Left the Red Cross in 1952. Died 25 December 1954, Prilly. Switzerland. He was the representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Hong Kong during the war years. His visits to Stanley Camp have been documented in some of the internee’s diaries. Some extracts are shown below. R. E. Jones Wartime diary (Extracts shared by Gwudo Old Hong Kong: “72 years ago: Hong Kong's wartime diaries”) Sat, 27 Jun 1942. Today sees the first visit by a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross ((presumably Rudolf Zindel)). He reports that most people are satisfied with the food especially since mid-April when they've been allowed to receive two parcels a week from friends and relatives in town. The report was no doubt too rosy, but it does reflect the fact that things in Stanley are much better now than in the first three months and, with the Americans about to leave and free up some of the best accommodation in camp, Stanley is on the brink of its' golden age' - or, to put it more realistically, things are about to be as good as they'll ever be. Tue, 27 Oct 1942. The Times (London) carries an optimistic account of conditions in the Hong Kong camps based on the report of International Red Cross delegates Rudolf Zindel and Edward Egle - 'the general state of health of prisoners in Hong Kong is good'. (Also, according to a report from the Red Cross, Ed Egle and R. Zindel visited Stanley Camp on 27 Aug 1942) Wed, 4 Nov 1942. Two pieces of news involving the Red Cross today. Extract from letter home: ...One cheering fact is that the International Red Cross is definitely established at Hong Kong. The man placed in charge I know very well and I have felt far happier and more encouraged ever since I learned of his appointment. He is a Swiss by the name of Zindel and was formerly connected with Arnhold and Company... Wed, 25 Nov 1942. Zindel visited camp. Wed, 2 Dec 1942. In London the Colonial Office states that the Red Cross delegate (Rudolf Zindel) has been allowed to visit Stanley regularly and conditions are satisfactory. Fri, 4 Dec 1942. A Tasmanian newspaper (the Hobart Mercury) reports that a list of Hong Kong civilian internees can be inspected at the Red Cross Information Bureau in Hobart. It also cites a report to the London Colonial Office from the Red Cross delegate in Hong Kong ((Rudolf Zindel)) saying that he visits Stanley regularly and conditions are 'satisfactory.'


Sat, 16 Jan 1943. Fine day. Zindel came. Repatriation again in the air. Wed, 10 Mar 1943. Zindel came. Much good news about. US to bomb Japan & Burma campaign developing in our favour. Thu, 11 Mar 1943. Better day. Zindel’s visit revealed little of use to us. No more allowances yet. Plenty of rumours re repatriation. Thu, 8 Apr 1943. Windy & cold am but improved pm. Zindel visited camp. Thu, 24 Jun 1943. B.C.C. meeting re Zindel’s visit. Zindel explained his inability to carry out his proper duties. HK to get priority re food etc as people at home know of true situation here. Cloudy & humid with showers. Sat, 28 Aug 1943. Zindel came in. Fri, 22 Oct 1943.Showery, warm, cloudy. Zindel arrived & among other things checked Canteen prices. Cigs arrived at last, 25sen per pkt, 1½ d per cig. Wed, 24 Nov 1943. Red Cross delegate Rudolf Zindel visits Stanley, spending all day in the camp and interviewing 59 internees. He notes the beneficial effects of the extra foods supplied by his office - these include soya beans, peanuts, bran and lard Thur. 30 Dec 1943: Zindel arrived. Tue, 18 Apr 1944: A fine day. Ground flour for bread. German lesson. Sunbathed on the roof. Mr. Zindel visited. Wed, 19 Apr 1944. Nice day. Zindel’s visit left very much to be desired. Parcels in a few weeks, he hopes, (Just a four day trip, why the few weeks). No allowance arrived and when it does it will be devoted to bulk supplies first. What is left, if any will be given to cases of malnutrition & other needs (This should include everyone). Hungry as hell, down to bread & salt. Fri, 9 Jun 1944. Result of Zindel’s visit negative re parcels & repatriation. Bran, beans & allowance to come. Black-out & Curfew orders more stringent. Fri, 14 Jul 1944. Former Labour Officer H. R, Butters (internee at Stanley Camp), gives the Red Cross a gold-filled Sheaffer's pencil to sell on his behalf. This is the start of a new scheme: permission has been given for those with special nutritional problems and something worth selling to give the objects to the Red Cross - with a reserve price - for sale in town. The scheme will run successfully until the end of 1944. On Rudolf Zindel's visit of December 22, he will be given items by ten internees and will manage to sell all of them at or above the reserve: Olive Redwood gets the desired M.Y. 300 for a pair of shoes, while Dr. E. W. R. Hackett's fur cape fetches M.Y. 2,700, which is 700 more than his minimum. But after that what Zindel calls 'the Stanley Racket' begins. The objects for sale are now given to the Red Cross through the camp guards, who identify the internees only by a number, so Zindel has no way of checking how much of the sale price goes back to the owner. Butters's pencil will be returned to him unsold on August 25 as it fails to reach his reserve price of M.Y. 100. Sun, 30 Jul 1944. Red Cross Delegate Rudolf Zindel visits Stanley. He has discussions with Franklin Gimson, inspects 'various premises' and pays 'Pocket Allowances' to the British and 18 Americans as well as making his usual monthly donation of M.Y.3,000 to the Camp Relief Fund.


This will be the last of his regular monthly visits. From now on he will have to apply to the War Office in Tokyo for permission to inspect the two civilian camps in the same way he's already doing for the POW camps. Tue, 1 Aug 1944. There is much speculation in Camp as to whether the Army's arrival will make things better or worse. First indications are not promising: it's announced that the weighing of rice will not take account of the weight of the sacks, meaning a cut of about 5% in the rice ration. Probably as a result of this change, Rudolf Zindel, International Committee of the Red Cross Delegate, finds things get tougher. From now on he has to apply to in Tokyo for permission to visit Stanley, and it takes three months to get a reply. And when he does get into the camp he's no longer allowed to talk with Franklin Gimson. Thu, 14 Sep 1944. The Canadian Red Cross parcels - two to each internee - are distributed. These are excellent parcels, and there are enough of them to give out another one on the 21. ((For the contents see R. E. Jones's entry for today.)) In town in it's the first anniversary of the setting up of Rosary Hill Red Cross Home for uninterned and largely destitute British dependents. Delegate Rudolf Zindel marks the occasion with an off-the-cuff speech at dinner: Today a year ago, the first batch of "Dependants" came up here. They were taking a chance and the rest of you after them were taking a chance. It has perhaps not been an easy year, neither for you, nor for the Administrative Staff, nor for me, but I do hope that you will agree with me that from the point of view of most of you, we did, everything considered, the right thing in moving up here. In this connection, you will remember that before you came here, I promised you cramped accommodation and modest food both in quantity and quality; I leave it to you to judge whether I kept my word. If more could not be done for you with the money at my disposal, I would like you to remember that from the very same funds with which the Home is kept going, I have to do what I can for the Prisoners-of-War and Civilian Internees in Stanley. I would fail in my duty, and also you would not expect it from me, should I divert one Yen from the Prisoners-of-War and Internees to this "Home" than is absolutely necessary. I doubt that Zindel believed that last sentiment for one moment. In any case, he will be criticized for spending too much money on Rosary Hill at the expense of Stanley, a charge he denied. Fri. 22 Dec 1944, Rudolf Zindel, the delegate of the International Red Cross Committee, visits the camp. His report will note an 'increase of restrictions in the early part of 1944' and consequent evidence of antimitosis (vitamin deficiency problems). Generally, he considers the health of the children 'very good', that of the younger and middle-adults 'fair', but that of the old 'somewhat indifferent'. Education is compulsory and the delegate is trying to meet the need for textbooks. The report's general conclusions when relayed to relatives in the UK though the Red Cross journal, will be, on the whole, reassuring: The camp authorities are liberal in their treatment of the internees and encourage community work, particularly vegetable cultivation. There is still a need for supplementary food, proteins, fats and vitamins of group B. This need continues to receive the attention of the Hong Kong delegate of the International Red Cross Committee. Zindel also visits Ma Tau-wai Camp in Kowloon, now led by Dr. Selwyn-Clarke. He considers this and Stanley to be the two sections of what is now the Military Internment Camp - this might well reflect the Japanese classification. Note: It does not seem that there is any correlation between the dates of visits to Stanley Camp and mail dispatch from the Red Cross Hong Kong office.


Sources:

- Visit to Stanley: The Far East, June 1945, page 5 - Extract from Revue International de Croix Rouge, 1945, 99-100, in Hong Kong Public Records Office, HKMS100-1-8 - LAC, RG25 Volume 2929, Telegram from the International Committee of the Red Cross, received December 8, 1943 - China Mail, September 15, 1945, page 3 - C.O. statement: The Yorkshire Post, December 3, 1942, page 2 - Rosary Hill: Ex-Tempore Address Given by Mr. R. Zindel...on the occasion of the first Anniversary of the opening of the "Rosary Hill" Red

Cross Home...' in Archives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (Geneva) BG 017 07-068 - Rudolf Zindel 'Complete Record of Articles Received', 27 August 1945 attached to his 'Supplementary Report to the International Committee of

the Red Cross' (15 July 1946) in BG17 07 074-075, Archives of the ICRC (Geneva) - Burn: Greg Leck, Captives of Empire, 2006, 619 - Times: Oliver Lindsay and John Harris, The Battle for Hong Kong 1941-1945, 2005, 179 - Extract from Revue International de Croix Rouge, 1943, in Hong Kong Public Records Office, HKMS100-1-8

Appendix 4 Eduard Eglc Ed. Eglc was a native of Switzerland and came out to China. Up to the outbreak of the Greater East Asia War he was in Shanghai manager of the oldest Swiss firm in the East. Through his wide business associations, he had made many friends in Japan and all over East Asia. After December 8, 1941, he offered his services to the International Red Cross Committee in a voluntary capacity and was appointed Delegate for China. Extract from the Introduction of “What is the Red Cross” by Ed. Egle.

Bibliography: - Tsang, Ming W. “Hong Kong Japanese Occupation”, 1995. - Hong Kong Study Circle article 208/34 August 1977 “POW cover from Canada through Tokyo with Red Cross chops” - Hong Kong Study Circle article 231/11 June 1981 “Red Cross large covers origin” - Hong Kong Study Circle article 111/4 may 1964 “Red Cross” - Hong Kong Study Circle article 117/3 February 1965 “Red Cross Routes”

- Orsetti, Philippe “Foreign Rates During the Japanese Occupation of Hong Kong” Hong Kong Study Circle Journal # 308, January 1999.

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