The Gisborne Herald IN WHICH IS INCORPORATED "THE TIMES." GISBORNE, SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1949 HONG KONG PIVOT IN BRITISH STRATEGY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22940, 7 May 1949, Page 4

The Gisborne Herald IN WHICH IS INCORPORATED "THE TIMES." GISBORNE, SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1949 HONG KONG PIVOT IN BRITISH STRATEGY

'JHE reinforcement of Hong Kong with planes, troops, tanks, heavy artillery and warships is a result of the disturbing events in China and the possibility of attack or internal insurrection. It would appear that some of the lessons of the Japanese waxhave at last been learned and are being translated into practice. Fears have been entertained for some time that the old policy of “too little and too late” was still dominant, but this attitude was inclined to overlook Britain’s responsibilities elsewhere. Today, however, it would seem that Britain, having already suffered “loss of face” through the Yangtse incident, is ready to back words with arms in the defence of Hong Kong. Otherwise, she might just as well withdraw from the Par East.

Although Hong Kong’s value as a naval base has largely been neutralised by modern warfare, it is still an important link in the defence triangle which it forms in conjunction with Singapore and the Philippines. It is Britain’s most important outpost in the Far East. Hong Kong fell easily to the Japanese seven years ago but only because it was inadequately defended. Its greatest weakness today is that there is only one airfield, and while this is being expanded, others will be difficult to construct owing to the broken, mountainous terrain.

The threat to Hong Kong is from two directions. Most people on the island, it is reported, consider it certain that the Communists who are making such rapid progress in China will demand HongKong’s return. It would probably mean the ruin of the island but it would undoubtedly be a great gain in “face” to the new Chinese Government when it is formed. The same residents, however, are confident that a compromise can be reached and the island retained by Britain subject to conditions. The threat of internal insui-rcction appears to be the more serious. There is a danger that the Communists on the island may rise in an attempt to bring the colony within the orbit of the conquerors on the mainland. For months the local Communists have been building up their strength. The problem worrying the authorities is the growth of Communist influence in the major unions. So far they have not caused much-trouble, but at a given sign they could throw the life of the colony into confusion. The unions mainly influenced are the dockyards, telephone company, tramways, ferries, gas and electricity companies, and the carpentry trade.

Up to now the Communists have been tolerated, but they are not policy-makers. Trouble will arise if or when they receive instructions. Further, there are hundreds of thousands of Chinese in Hong Kong who owe no specific loyalties and who would, merely from the point of view of self-interest, be eager to assist the cause of the moment.

Defence is being planned largely against internal disorder. The Governor, Sir Alexander Grantham, announced on December 19 that a volunteer force would be created consisting of land, sea and air components as well as a home guard, a civil defence organisation and a women’s volunteer force, but as late as March 31 it was reported that the only registrations were 900 Chinese and 300 Europeans. Complacency reigned. The main land forces were a handful of British regulars. These are now to be built up to a strength of two brigade groups. One thing is certain in the present situation. . If Hong Kong’s security is attacked again and the island is lost, it will be for the last time. Britain’s interests in the Far East have stiffered tremendously in the past 12 years and if they are to be preserved, measures are needed to restore prestige. Happenings there affect Australia and New Zealand; the Far East of today may be the Near North of tomorrow.