CAB11-57-5 — Page 35

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Numbers to be supplied.

Based upon the last Census (1891), it is estimated that the population of Hong Kong is as follows:-

Europeans (including garrison)

Indians (including garrison) Chinese-

Land population

Water population.

Total..

8,705 2,988

194,858

33,180

228,038

289,731

In the event of war these numbers, especially as regards Chinese, ought to be largely reduced, so as not to exceed the probable sources of food supply during a blockade.

It is estimated that at the outbreak of hostilities the Chinese would leave Hong Kong for their own country in large numbers, and that a continuous exodus would be maintained until finally the population would be reduced to about one-half. Should this diminution not take place by voluntary means, it would be necessary, in case of urgent necessity, to enforce it.

Alternative Method of obtaining Supplies,

It would be difficult to establish a blockade at the outset of a war, therefore a certain amount of time would be given to collect supplies. The ordinary method would be by water, but in the event of a blockade being thoroughly established, supplies could still be obtained by land viâ British Kowloon, assuming China to be friendly, and that the neck of land (8 miles across) between Tolo Harbour and Deep Bay, on the Canton River, is not occupied by a hostile force. It is not anticipated that any blockade would be established so shortly after the declaration of war as to prevent the accumulation and storage of two months' supplies, but, if necessary, supplies could be obtained by land as follows-so long as the route is open-viz. :-

Vegetables and Fruit.

Canton.. Kowloon

Six days.

::

:

A few hours.

Fowls and Eggs.

Shek Lung Tam Shui

Nam Tan

Soi Heung

Canton.. Whampoa

Two and a-half days.

Two days.

Five hours.

Five hours.

Six days.

Five and a-half days.

Rice.

Canton..

Six days.

Cattle.

Kwong Sai Tam Shui

Hoi Fung Canton

Whampoa

•

Fourteen days.

Two days.

Nine days.

Six days.

Five and a-half days.

A summary of the arrangements for the supply of the garrison and civil population in the event of war is contained in the annexed Return (Schedules VI (a), (b), and (c)), which show separately the arrangements for Europeans, Indians, and Chinese respectively.

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