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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
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
