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28. Upon the fall of Singapore there was great jubilation in Hongkong. Posters were stuck on walls and
posts announcing that Singapore had fallen. Pictorial maps showed a Pacific war in favour of the Japanese. The Americans were shocked, the Canadians were fleeing and Australians imploring aid. One day was set aside for celebrations. Processions of Chinese from the lower classes were held in Hongkong and Kowloon. All government employees and participants were given a cake each.
Extra rations of rice
were given to refugees returning to their villages that day. Dinner pa ties were held for officers and members of the Co- Prosperity Scheme in New Asia. The ferries, trams and buses were lavishly decorated with flags and flowers. Special editions of newspapers were printed. And as ir in full expression of their sentiments thousands of Chinese residents packed their scanty belongings and made for their homeland Free China.