CO129-580-2 Sino-Japanese War- British policy and reactions in Hong Kong and Malaya 27-7-1939 - 3-2-1940 — Page 96

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(iii) "A British compromise with Japan would be detrimental

to China's interests and we overseas Chinese have appealed to the British Government for careful consideration of the matter. We assure you of our full support."

(iv) "Your committees against the aggression campaign

receive our full support."

Apart from these reactions by the responsible elements there was a certain amount of activity among unlawful Chinese patriotic societies in Singapore. Numerous posters and placards appeared throughout the town in English and Chinese bearing such slogans as:

"Support International Collective Security and Oppose

Chamberlain's Betrayal. "

"Uphold Anglo-Chinese Friendship and Oppose Chamber-

lain's policy of Compromise."

"Curb all tendencies to Appeasement in the East."

"People of Malaya, Unite, Defend Malaya, and down with

Anglo-Japanese Compromise."

Photographs of some of these posters were published in the Japanese-owned "Singapore Herald" on the 27th July together

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with an article concerning these "anti-British" manifestations. Two cyclostyled leaflets in English protesting against Anglo-Japanese compromise were circulated through the post. One purported to be issued by "Straits Chinese Community" and the other by "The Federation of the Malayan Anti- Japanese Associations!!

Anti-British leaflets have also

been distributed in Ipoh. The Anti-Enemy Backing-Up Society is reported to be discussing the holding of a mass

demonstration possibly on the 13th August the second

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anniversary of the Shanghai battle - or earlier should the situation change for the worse.

An interesting account appeared in the Nanyang Siang Pau of the 27th July of an interview between the American Vice-Consul at Singapore and Mr. Tan Kah Kee. is reported as follows:-

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