4.9.43

My dear Freda:

Much has happened this week. On Monday night, July 30th (Ida must have meant August), the news went around that the American list of evacuees was in Billy Christian’s hand. Many went up to check up, of course, some were happy, others disappointed. Much to everyone’s surprise, including himself, Father Rutherford was listed to go. We were disappointed as it happened he turned out to be just the man to be worthy or capable of directing our Catholic women’s guild. We all congratulated him and he had work up a great enthusiasm about meeting of his order who were all going.

On Tuesday morning the list was posted, and it was 24 hrs before I could get near it. I believe there were tears of joy and much gnashing of teeth. Sisters Donatilla, Verna & Blanda, the 3 beauties are going too! All heavy luggage had to be ready for examination by the 2nd. It was short notice, but as there was so much to be discarded that packing I presume was quite a simple matter.

On Thursday the Assembly Hall was cleared as the Authorities wanted to examine the trunks therein, but as soon as all the heavy benches were transferred without, it was decided to examine the trunks out of doors. It was like the humming and activity of bees. Some examiners were hardhearted, spiteful and others more kindly disposed.- It was heartbreaking to watch violins, photographs books, personal belongings picked out as undesirable. For 2 days this went on. Mrs Hanson’s fur coat was found to have had concealed in its shoulder padding travellers' cheques worth U.S. $100 & U.S. $365 in bills. Consequently on which the eiderdown was ripped open, shedding its down all over the place. Everything was very carefully examined.

Father Rutherford’s trunk was next to Miss Hanson’s and the examiner carried his enthusiasm over to this. As his shoes were being ripped open & the lining of his coat being torn off, when word came that the Commandant had sent him. There he was told that the (the commandant) was in receipt of a telegram from Peking ordering him to remain. Poor Father Rutherford, he was disappointed. He had looked forward to meeting his pals Father Odo Schaurly on board and having a pleasant journey together.

The Connollays managed to pass their table silver through, which has cheered Marie up considerably.

The Chefoo people who arrived at 3 p.m. on Monday, 30th July, Adults & children 50 strong presented a very pathetic sight. They were told that they would not see their heavy luggage until San Francisco. Their luggage just arrived in time to be at the tail end of the examination and so, the keys had to be produced & trunks opened.

We hope that we will be spared much of this. No written material is passed, not even inscriptions on fly leaves of bibles - What will happen to this then.

Much love Ida.

September 6, 1943 ...

6-9-43

My dear Freda:

There is much commotion & excitement in camp, as apparently 120 Britishers, are slated to leave shortly after the Americans. I am not impressed, as I think it is camp a rumour.

Dr Hople & Mr Egger came the day before yesterday. Dr Hople came with a list of 50 people he wished to see but he was only allowed to see 20. Alan Henning being one. He learnt that Leightons etc are not being repatriated.

Have heard that, the Russians are supposed to be 50 miles from Odessa. We are anticipating the Germans to collapse very soon.

Even the newspapers admit a joint Anglo-American landing in S. Italy.

Marie received, or rather rescued her parcel from the Lowensens. There must be a systematic method of pilfering, sugar, cigarettes & cheese from parcel Tisha Metcalfe was sent a round of Trappist Cheese, the lid of the box was all that came.

We have heard that we are now getting the rooms applied for, 3 largish rooms in a courtyard wherein there is only another lady & a child of 3, Mrs Danielsen, Norwegian, her husband was killed a couple of years ago by bandits in the interior of China. It will be nice & quiet, with ones own lavatory.

Cheerioh, hope to hear from you soon. Ida

September 16, 1943 ...

16-9-43

My dear Freda:

Unbelievably the Americans & some Canadians left yesterday. They had to have breakfast at 6.30 a.m. as the body examinations began from 7.30. The men went into the side entrance of the Assembly Hall, and the women into the front entrance, where 3 women police had come from Tsingtao to perform the duties. I understand it was perfunctory. The farewells were exchanged prior to the examinations, as those finished had to march straight out to the outer world and await the rest of the contingent on the shady bank of our little stream. The negro band kept up a stream of heart rending tunes. Auld land syne etc. Smile the while etc. The Salvation Army band too, strangely, enough, stooped to well known song hits and Scottish airs.

The Authorities gave each departee, regardless of age, 6 apples and insisted upon fried chips, and meat sandwiches. And for this our kitchen staffs had to commence work at 3 a.m.

The examination of the hand luggage was carried out minutely on the 14th and after examination was put away in the Assembly Hall until date of departure.

They certainly have a hard trip ahead of then. I hope we will not go now.

Love Ida

September 21, 1943 ...

21-9-43

My dear Freda:

the Americans left, at about 11a.m. Vichy Waters sent for us, and told us we could go into our new quarters immediately. So we decided to move the Robinsons first, Sid engaged the services of George Cline for $25 to move 2 families.

Our new home has 3 connecting rooms and 1 small semi-detached room. The 1st room has an outer door and an indoor communicating door with the centre room which leads into our bedroom. Christine, Peter, Sid and I sleep in here. Wendy & Gay in the little outhouse, although I don't think that they’ll be sleeping in there in the very cold weather - if we are here.

After 6 days of hard work, finding places for our belongings, over and above this our daily chores, we are practically straight.

Christine has just started to walk around with help. She loves it. Mrs Jamieson made Gay a delightful bonnet & mittens in rust and a mixture of other colours. She has now started on a jumper for Gay, it promises to be very smart.

The Chefoo children arrived here and are not mixing, they will remain a C.I.M. School consequently, Mr Pryor, at the instigation of Mr Foxlee, has established a Weihsien Camp School, without inviting the Sisters to the discussions. The result is that an American School is being established under Miss Moore, our children are going to it as the Sisters & Fathers will be on the staff.

Ida.

P.S. Received P.C. from Od, letter from Ziggy & a letter from Vernandon. Disappointed no letter from you.

It is rumoured that Russia expects to be in Berlin in 16 days - vide 7th October. We'll see.

I8-9-43, red [Cross] letter day.