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The
Telegram ...
“From the
British Government to the Canadian Government:
Most Secret, Cypher LONDON, September 19, 1941, No. 162”
“In consultation with the late General Officer Commanding who has
recently arrived
in this country (Major-General Grasset), we have been
considering defences of
Hong Kong. Approved policy has been that Hong Kong should be
regarded as an
outpost and held as long as possible in the event of war in the
Far East. Existing
army garrison consists of four battalions of infantry, and
although this force
represents bare minimum required for depot assigned to it, we
have thought
hitherto that it would not ultimately serve any useful purpose
to increase garrison.
Position in the Far East has now, however, changed. Our defences
in Malaya have
been improved and there have been signs of a certain weakening
of the Japanese
attitude towards us and the United States. In these
circumstances it is thought that
a small reinforcement of garrison at Hong Kong, e.g. by one or
two more
battalions, would be very fully justified. It would increase
strength of garrison out
of all proportion to actual numbers involved, and it would
provide a strong stimulus
to garrison and Colony; it would further have a very great moral
effect in the whole
of the Far East and would reassure Chiang Kai Shek as to reality
of our intention
to hold the island.
His Majesty's Government in Canada will be well aware of
difficulties we are at
present experiencing in providing forces which situation in
various parts of the
world demands, despite very great assistance which is being
furnished by the
Dominions. We should therefore be most grateful if the Canadian
Government
would consider whether one or two Canadian battalions could be
provided from
Canada for this purpose. It is thought that in view of their
special position in the
north Pacific, Canadian Government would in any case have wish
to be informed
of need as we see it for reinforcement of Hong Kong and special
value of such
measure, even though on a very limited scale at the present
time. It may also be
mentioned that the United States have recently dispatched a
small reinforcement to
the Philippines. It would be of the greatest help if the
Canadian Government could
co-operate with us in the manner suggested, and we much hope
they will feel able
to do so.
If the Canadian Government agree in principle to send one or two
battalions, we
should propose to communicate with you again as to best time for
their dispatch,
having regard to general political situation in the Far East.
The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs”
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