Another representative from the district chief’s office came to the branch to get everyone’s name and other particulars. They wanted the names of all the keymen in the country. They were given the names of the missionaries living at the branch/missionary home. When they left, all the Society’s records and files were removed from the premises and carefully hidden.

The following day, April 17, two officers returned, asking to see the person in charge. As both were smoking, Brother Prosser told them that they would have to put out their cigarettes before coming in. They complied with the request and were invited into the office. They still wanted the names of all the responsible brothers throughout the country. But by that time, the important files at the branch were nowhere to be found, even if they had decided to conduct a search.

“Give us the names of all your key people!” shouted the policeman. Brother Prosser replied: “I cannot give you the names of my brothers. If you want them, you can come to the Kingdom Hall and write them down yourselves.” They accepted this. However, he knew that there was no danger because no meetings had been held in the Kingdom Hall for quite some time. Meetings were now being held in private homes with Congregation Book Study groups.

“What about Samuel Hans-Moévi? Do you not know him? Is he not one of your people?” This question came as a shock to Brother Prosser. It was at Brother Hans-Moévi’s house that they had hidden the Society’s records in two old, beat-up suitcases. These records contained the names of many brothers. Had the police already found those records? Brother Prosser managed to keep a calm outward appearance, while deep in his heart he prayed for Jehovah’s guidance.

Finally the questioning was over. No names had been given, and no physical harm had come to Brother Prosser. He was then released—alone! Some years later, when reflecting on that moment, Brother Prosser said: “My first thought was: ‘What can I do to help the brothers?’ Then I thought: ‘Be careful! It may be a trap. They may plan to follow me in hopes that I will lead them to the brothers.’”

“Rather than go straight home,” Brother Prosser recalled, “I crossed the bridge and went into the city to see if there was any mail at the post office. I did not want to do anything that would make matters difficult for the brothers. But I desperately wanted to see them to assure them that we were all right and to give some direction for the days to come.