Hongkong, Apr, 9.
"Hongkong threatens none nor did Yugoslavia—the only way. we can ensure against attack on Hongkong is to convince any would-be attacker that such an operation Is too costly," declared Air Chie Marshal Sir Robert fof British Forces In the Far East, in press communique today issued before he lett for Manila, After expressing satisfaction with the strength of the colony's defence urged every man and woman to take a full share in active or passive Jdefence of the colony. Expressing. pleasure at the ce-operation of civil fand military authorities he urged Jevery possible contribution to assist Jother parts of the Empire and Allies. appealing for reduction in demands for shipping tonnage, Jeaving It free for conveyance of food and munitions to places more hardly pressed.
"Livery pound of Imported goods you spare means more space. avail The statement concluded with Jappeal to local Britons to make a fu feontribution towards. the struggle, believing that when the final triumph lover the forces of evil is achieved we will be able to rest content. in the knowledge that we have shared in the toil and sacrifices so we are en= titled to share in the glory of vice tors."
Sic Robert left or Mfanila by the Clipper' plane' this. morning." rived here on April 3 from Manila, where he had conferences with United [States Army and Navy oflcers. He is expected to stay in Manila several days before proceeding to Singapore, his headquarters—Reuter.
"While Admiral Thomas C, Hart, Commander of the US. Asiatic Fleet, not ariond the conference be: feause he was away on manauvres, the US: Navy and Army were presented at the conference. Major General George Grunert, Commander of the US. Amry, Philippine Depattent, and' ear-Admiral Harold Hemis, Commandant of the Philippine Naval' District, were present, 'The conference was held behind closed doors and sot even the aides fof the defence chiefs were permitted {o attend the meeting. Mr. Sayre stressed. the Informal' nature of the conversations and said, "We discussed tatters generally." ite pointed out that it was customary for the High The absence of Admiral Hart was due (0 the customary weekly Asiat Fleet manquvres and could be ex: plained by the fact that he conferred with the British defence chief previously and also because Mr. Van Kileffens- was not acquainted with NEL. milliiary problems.
Informed quarters insisted that the conversations did not touch on act defence problems although they un-Goubtedty covered the Pacine stus-ion,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.