Why Churchill didn’t want Hong Kong defended against Japanese, and how the colony survived wartime occupation
Archives show British leader opposed sending more troops because he didn’t believe colony could be safeguarded, how Hong Kong officials sought co-operation with occupiers, and how colonial rule was quickly revived
After the Japanese invasion of northeastern China in 1931, there were mixed views in London concerning the extent of Hong Kong’s defences, as it was firmly believed it would be difficult for the colony to withstand a Japanese attack. Indeed, talks in London were less about how to defend Hong Kong than how to regain British sovereignty after the war, archives reveal. The British did not want to see Hong Kong handed over to the Chinese Nationalist government led by Chiang Kai-shek in the event of a Japanese defeat.
During governor Sir Geoffrey Northcote’s term of office (1937-41), the war escalated in China and Hong Kong was swamped by 100,000 refugees. Addressing a special meeting of the Legislative Council on October 13, 1938, Northcote mainly discussed the usual domestic and economic issues. But in conclusion, he noted that his address was printed before the invasion of neighbouring Kwangtung (Guangdong) province by the Japanese forces.
“The outbreak of hostilities so close to the border,” he told legislators, “is a matter of grave and regretful concern. As I have pointed out already, three quarters of our fresh vegetables and a large portion of our fresh meat supplies have come from that province.
“Secondly, the colony must face the prospect of an additional serious refugee problem arising from this invasion ... These, together with the military and police precautions, which are necessary in such circumstances, will entail heavy charges upon the colony’s funds. Again, this interruption of Hong Kong’s long-established trade with China will bring heavy losses upon the revenue and upon commerce.”
