Evening star., 1941-08-24
By HENRY c. WOLFE.

BY HENRY c. WOLFE.
HONG KONG, Aug 5-(By Air
Mail to N A N. AD-Thls eastern
terminus of the British Empires life
line is intently watching the gather
ing crisis precipitated by Japan's
southwark drive Every Toxic move
is closely observed and appraised.
It is correct 10 say that this Crown
colony is tense. but one must i'm
mediately add that it is completely
devoid of the jitters, Hong Kong
is on the alert. And Hong Kong Is
ready.
A few weeks ago in Toxic the
writer was told by high ranking
japanese that Hong Kong was ready
to drop like ripe plum into Nippon's
lap. It was intimated that this
colony was not even seriously con-
sidering resistance.
The japanese argued that Hong
Kong is part of the vast area which
belongs to their East Asia co-pros-
perity sphere" The writer was as
sured that Hong Kong could not be
defended. Indeed, so they said in
Toxic, Britain was withdrawing
from this exposed outpost. anxious
to be rid of such liability.
Hong Kong Now Fortress.
But less than a fortnight in Hong
Kong is long enough to prove the
utter fallacy of Tokio's assertions
about this colony. 1t can be stated
unequivocally that Britain means to
hold this post. And the local au-
thorities, the garrison and the civil
ian population are as one in their
determination to stand their ground,
no matter what may happen in Far
Eastern affairs. 1t would be- the
writer believes, stabllizing in
fiuence in this part of the world if
the japanese Government and peo-
pie understood what the situation
is in Hong Kong
The Crown colony is not, as Japa-
nese militaristS claim, pawn in
power politics. 1t is. on the con-
trary. factor to be reckoned with.
Today Hong Kong is the eastern
end of Britain's lifeline which be-
gins at Iceland and extends east
ward to this fortified post. British
troops have been withdrawn from
Shanghai. because that city could
not be held against Japanese at
tack, But Hong Kong has been con-
tinually strengthened And the pro-
cess goes forward night and Gay.
This colony has become a fortress
One of the greatest commercial
ports in the world. Hong Kong plays
an important strategic role in Brit
aims Far Eastern defense system.
As a military and naval base, it is
the first line of defense for Singa-
pore. But it must be reiterated that
this colony is no mere outpost whose
object is to carry, out delaying
action. The British mean to make
a major stand here. If any enemy
attacks Hong Kong he will have to
pay stiff price.
Could Avoid Blunder
The japanese military and naval
intelligence services undoubtedly
know that there are units stationed
here bearing the names of some
of Britain'S most renowned regi-
ments The Nipponese run the
risk, however, of completely mis-
understanding the British determi-
nation to resist attack. If Toxic
could understand the spirit of Hong
Kong, from the Governor down to
the humble young men and women
In the A r. P. it might save Japan
costly blunder
1t is giving away no military
secret to report that the British
are doing everything possible to
make this colony impregnable. The
defenders have the advantage of
being able to plan their defense
minutely. Every foot of ground has
been carefully surveyed by military
engineers. Every conceivable method
of attack has been studied and
means have been devised to meet it.
All the experience in coast de-
fense of the British Isles is at the
disposal of the Hong Kong authori-
ties. This island, which boasts the
classic beauty of Italy and Greece,
has the rugged terrain of Scotland.
It's granite mountains are a power
full asset to the defenders. Artillery
emplacements and air raid shelters
extend deep into solid rock In some
respects the Notifications here have
the natural strength of Gibraltar.
Wide Variety of Arms.
Yesterday, while motoring along
q quiet country road, our staff car
came to a stop. Imagine the writer's
Co. Il, LII
on both sides of the drive screened
hundreds of men from a famous
Scottish regiment engaged in
naneuvers.
A little later the car stopped near
q beach. There we're barbed wire |
entanglements along the waters
edge. But again the writer failed |
to perceive the serious military !
prepara tions 1t was not until he !
was led into a camouflaged forti- !
f1cations system that he saw the |
alert, tough fighting men from
India who are guarding this sector
day and night.
Everywhere the writer turned he /
found the colony's approaches /
patroled by watchful men from va
rious parts of Britains far-fung
empire. Heavy artillery, anti |
aircraft batteries, pillboxes. traps for
invaders, mine fields, navy and air |
patrols, the volunteer corps. anti |
sabotage contingents. anti-f1fth |
column workers and the A. r. p
all these are parts of the powerful |
defense system which John Bull
has built here to protect his lifeline. |
But just as important, perhaps, |
as the physical means of defense is
the strong morale of the garrison, |
the authorities and the civilian
population, Nothing could have
demonstrated civilian morale more
clearly than the blackout last night. |
In this hot, humid weather it is an
almost insuperable task to enforce
strict blackout regulations, especially
in the crowded native quarters Of the
city and on the hundreds of junks
and sampans along the water front.