Printed circular 'Message from the Secretary of State for the Colonies', G. H. Hall, to returning British Prisoners of War of the Japanese ('a barbarous enemy'). From the papers of C. A. A. Nicol, and carrying autograph notes by him.

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. A frail survival, on aged and worn paper. The first page carries the 'Message', headed with the crest of the Colonial Office, and signed in type 'G. H. HALL.': 'Welcome home. You have suffered a long and bitter ordeal at the hands of a barbarous enemy. | You have never been out of our thoughts and we now know, as we had always expected, that you have borne the ordeal with the spirit of your race. | That experience is now past and freedom is yours again. You may find in your homeland the scars of six years of war but you will not find any lack of goodwill and affection, and I wish you all good fortune in the future and a quick and full recovery to all whose health has suffered from their privations.' The other three pages carry advice and addresses, on topics including rations, financial assistance, 'to register a claim in respect of the loss of or damage to property owned by you in the Far East', medical treatment, free passage. The first page headed in pencil 'Nicol C.A.A. | M9357'. The second and fourth page carrying notes and addresses by Nicol, apparently relating to the subject of the pamphlet. Scarce: no copies found on COPAC or OCLC WorldCat, or in the Imperial War Museum. From the private papers of C. A. A. Nicol, who joined the Malayan Union Police Force in 1950, and served in the Royal Malaysian Police between 1957 and 1967, 'to assist in promoting and consolidating the successful transition to full independence. During this period the Special Branch played a vital role in maintaining peace and security in the country.'