Chapter II

Excerpts from the writings of Mme Jacqueline Dubois
- Translated by Gay Talbot-Stratford

The Japanese consul general and the vice-consul led us to understand that they knew Japan would lose the war, though this did not prevent them from deporting enemy residents to an internment camp at Weihsien, in the district of Peking.

We were at present sad and powerless, as our, Belgian, American and British friends departed. They left on foot in the pouring rain with packs on their backs, holding the hands of children and babies in carrying baskets. Japanese soldiers guarded the procession and did not allow us near them. In the group was an American nun who had taught me at Saint Joseph’s Convent. Her name was Mother Flannan. I saw Joan Croft in tears as she looked at her Danish fiancé Rudy, on the pavement. Was she already having doubts? Rudy would marry Dorothy Homberg soon after her departure.

The Japanese recognised the Vichy government and did not interfere with the French colony. My husband continued to have jurisdiction over the interests of enemy nationals. His office became a storehouse for food, clothes and medicines. Ralph Engström, a Swedish diplomat who represented the warring nations, had permission to make frequent visits to the camp and to deliver mail. It was from him that we learned that life in Weihsien was far from unbearable.

It became clear that the Japanese were thinking of the future by treating Westerners correctly. They went as far as to allow the Streejasks, who were Americans to remain out of camp because she had painful eyes! They were lenient with another American who, they said, married a Dane to avoid deportation. Because her parents were interned, the Japanese suggested that we should take over her parents’ house as it was sure to be requisitioned.

The house was on Race Course Road. I decided to go to see it. I fell into the arms of my friend, Olive Evans. She had just married Tage Schmitt of the East Asiatic Company. This was the same company that employed Rudy Thagerson, Joan Croft’s fiancé. Olive and Tage suggested that we move in with them and take over the first floor of their house so that the house would not be requisitioned and the furniture belonging to Olive’s parents would be spared -----

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