Lim Bo Seng letter

1. Lim Bo Seng letter deciphered

2. 1st page, 1st paragraph: When I left you on that memorable February morning, it was intended to be for a short time. My plan was to find a place in Sumatra where I could hide until it was safe for me to return. Little did I dream then that this parting has turned out to be eternal. How I escaped you will read in my diary. How it is enough to say that I got over to Sumatra, and found my way to Padang on the western coast of this island. As fate would have it, there were several thousand British, Indians and Australian troops in this port. They have escaped from S’pore and were waiting to be evacuated. I got in touch with the officer in charge and an arrangement was made by which I was to be evacuated with them. Soon after their several Australian warships arrived and together with several friends we sail across in a cruiser to Colombo. Eventually we arrived at C’king on the 12th April, 1942, exactly two months after we left S’pore.

3. 1st page, 2nd paragraph: Soon after my arrival at the wartime capital, I learned that our intelligence organization was still in touch with their secret agents in Malaya, I asked them whether they would send a message for me. This they respond & 3 wks afterwards, they informed me that all was well with you at home. This took a great load off my mind. I began to prepare to proceed to Fukien from where I hope is plan for your evacuation through Amoy. For about this time, the Japanese started an attack on was thy Imia. Information were also received that there no shipping between S’pore and Amoy or even Hong Kong. This was a heavy blow as I have never forgiven myself for leaving you behind, and

4. 2nd page, 2nd paragraph continued: nothing about your evacuation could set my mind at ease. However, I had to submit to the impossible and the plan was pointed up. 3rd paragraph: At this time, there were several thousand unemployed Chinese seamen in Calcutta, and an government was approached by the government of India with a request to organize them for war services. I was asked to help at this organization and on the 13th June, together with 20 other officers, I went to Calcutta. Before very long, I was approached by Major Goodfellow. He was a member of an organization known as the Special Operation Executive and his job was to set up a 5thcolonies organization in Malaya. They were looking for Chinese to cooperation them in this work and I was asked whether I would consider to help.

5. 4th paragraph: This is something after my heart from1937, I have tried in my small ways to contribute to our own loan effect and this offered me an opportunity to continue my work. 5th paragraph: Therefore if the work was to undertaken, it should be a joint undertaking between our two government I was then asked to sound an government in Thai regard, and a repose was sent to Gen Wen Teh Chan accordingly. The proposal was accepted and the agreement was

6. 3rd page, 5th paragraph continued: signed, by which the Chinese govt. was to provide all the Raputi for the work which, the British govt. was responsible for the training of the raputi, finance and lumper, and the planning and execution of the work. I was appointed by an government as its liaison officer in India. This is how I came to be connected with his work. Originally I was only to be stationed in India, but it was soon realized that, however good an raputi am they lack the social background and experience, necessary for the successful execution of their duties. As no such person is available outside Malaya, I volunteered for this task. I fully realized the risks involved, but once the job was started, it must be pushed to a successful end. My duty and my honour would not permit me to look back. Everyday tens of thousands are dying for their countries If China is to take its proper place among the other nations, her sons must be prepared to sacrifice for it. My

7. 5th Paragraph (continued): only considered my responsibility to you and the Children. It is very painful for me to put the whole burden on your shoulders, but I am confident you are capable to bear it, and bear it well. If there is a God in Heaven, there should be a drop of dew for each blade of grass. Who am I to doubt His existence? 6th paragraph: What has been mine are all yours, any interest in this estate, any share in Hock Ann Leong Lai and Lian Ship Quarry (ask Low Boh Tan). The little deeds of the house is

8. 6th paragraph (continued): with Lim Chuan Ho. There is also a balance with the United Chinese Bank. The Re. $5000/-which I remitted to India for you has never been drawn and should be refunded. Ask how Piah Teng to help you in this matter. 7th paragraph: You must not grieve for me. On the other hand, you should take pride in my sacrifice and devote yourself to the upbringing of the children. Tell them what has happened to me and direct them along my footsteps. It is most important that they should divide their time between English and Chinese. I have made plans for their education. I had hope to put them through from Chinese University and followed with post graduate courses abroad. What a pity I could not live to realize my dreams, but I have no doubt you will do your best for them.