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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
One of the racial traits of the Chinese is their abiding sense of gratitude. I feel certain that, gratefully appreciating the Colony as a haven of refuge in which they can live in security and peace, all Chinese in the Colony warmly approve of the cash contribution to the Imperial Exchequer.
In his speech at Leeds on January 20th, 1940, Lord Halifax reminded his audience of the work of the Fighting Forces, and of the Mercantile Marine. "We know" he said, "the Royal Navy and indomitable Merchant Marine are under the never-ending strain of sea-danger; the soldier on night patrol or raiding parties; or the airmen, facing all the forces of nature over sea and land to fight their way over enemy territory on special missions." Lord Halifax then went on: "When we appreciate all this, how little it is that is in our power to do at home!" And he concluded: "Therefore, let us give, and give freely, and let us all remember that our great cause can only end in victory if all are prepared to spend themselves in its behalf."
I venture to think that the above words, which should be a timely reminder to all British subjects of their duties, are at once a message and an appeal to the whole of the British Empire, of which this Colony is a part. They should make all residents in Hong Kong feel that the Colony should make this cash contribution, not grudgingly, but freely and enthusiastically, and in a spirit of thankfulness that, in spite of the War, the Colony should be able to make such a gift out of its surplus, and without diminishing such surplus to a point endangering the Colony's financial stability.
Sir, it is in this spirit that, on behalf of my Chinese colleagues on this Council, and on behalf of the Chinese Community we have the honour to represent on this Council, I record my concurrence with the terms of the Resolution now before this Council. (Applause).
The resolution was approved.
H.E. THE GOVERNOR.—Honourable Members, The fact that Government has been able to-day to put before this Council the definite proposals which were the subjects of the two resolutions just adopted by the Council discloses that there has been considerable prior discussion of the forms which this Colony's contribution to His Majesty's Government should take in the event of its being made.
That was necessary, so far as the Secretary of State for the Colonies was concerned, on account of colonial regulations and, in respect to the Fighting Services, in order to put those wishes into effect without loss of time. I wish, however, to make it clear that those discussions have been entirely on a contingent basis and that the Colony has not been pledged or committed to any expenditure in anticipation of the Legislature's approval.
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