CO129-592-8 Future Policy in Hong Kong 1-1-1945 - 26-11-1945 — Page 103

ग Copy statement grou

2,

Draft by Colonial Office

101 3752145/45

I would say a word now about H.M.G's position und intentions - Hong Kong. The first fury of the treacherous Japanese attack fell bimultaneously on Pearl Harbour and Hong Kong on 7th December 1941. The Hong Kong gɛrrison of United Kingdom, Canadian and Indian forces fought to a finish without hope of id from outside at a time when we were in a death struggle in Europe. From the bases which they had wrested in South Ching from the gallant Chinese armics, the Japanese brought great land and air forces and overwhelmed Hong Kong by Christmas Day 1941. Since that date our men and women have sustained the hardships of the prison camp.

We have fought our enemies back across the world and in the

Far East now the British Navy has a powerful force in position to take

the surrender of the enemy in the British Colony of Hong Kong and

liberate our people there after their long ordeal. We shall claim and

exercise our right and duty in those respects and we shall do so I

have no doubt with the understanding and good will of our Chinese und

American comrades in arms, to whom we shall afford all possible

supply and other services through Hong Kong which they may need to id

them in the final dispositions of their own forces and the relief

of the long suffering people of South China.

37

Mr. Bevin's Speech

37.

I would here say a word about His Majesty's Government's position and intentions in Hong Kong. The first fury of the treacherous Japanese attack fell simultaneously on Pearl Harbour and on The Hong Kong on 7th December, 1941. Hong Kong garrison, of United Kingdom, Canadian and Indian forces, fought to a finish without hope of aid from outside at a time when we were in a death struggle. in Europe. From the bases which they have wrested in South China from the gallant Chinese armies, the Japanese brought great land and air forces and overwhelmed Hong Kong by Christmas Day, 1941. Since that date our men and women have sus – tained the hardships of the prison

We have now taken steps

camps.

to receive the surrender of the Japanese

Forces in Hong Kong. There may still

be difficulties, but they will be over-

come, and I am sure that in agreement

with our Chinese and American Allies

our territory will be returned to us.