§ 54. Mr. Thorneasked the Prime Minister what undertakings were given at the Washington Conference, 1921, by the British Government with regard to not making Hong Kong a first-class fortress; and why, in these circumstances, was an attempt made to defend Hong Kong under conditions which led to the eventual surrender of the garrison?
§ The Prime MinisterUnder Article 19 of the Washington Treaty of Limitation of Naval Armaments of 6th February, 1922, the United States of America, the British Empire, and Japan agreed to maintain the status quo with regard to fortifications and naval bases in the United States of America, the British Empire and Japanese insular territories and possessions in the Pacific Oceans. The Japanese Government denounced the Treaty on 29th December, 1934, and by virtue of that 204 denunciation the Treaty lapsed on 31st December, 1936. Until the latter date, therefore, His Majesty's Government were precluded from erecting additional fortifications at Hong Kong. As regards the second part of the Question, it is the policy of His Majesty's Government that British territory should be defended to the utmost of our ability with such resources as are at our disposal.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWas sufficient effort made to fortify Hong Kong after the Japanese denounced the Treaty in 1934?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is going back to the year 1936, and I cannot without notice say what steps were taken by the Government of those days, but I think it always has been obvious that the position of Hong Kong would become very precarious, lying as it does so near to the homeland of Japan, in the event of war with that country.