2 Dec 1941, Chronology of Events Related to Stanley Civilian Internment Camp

Readers of The Yorkshire Post might spot this Reuter's report on the first page:

Hong Kong. A Government communiqué urges that persons not required for duty in the colony in event of an outbreak of hostilities, should take any existing opportunity of leaving now. Reuter.

But in Hong Kong itself most people don't seem worried. Jardine, Matheson & Co. make the following announcement:

Owing to insufficient response, the special steamer which was to have been allocated for the purpose of evacuating residents who desired to leave Hong Kong has been withdrawn.

In the evening Chief Justice Sir Atholl MacGregor and Lady MaGregor attend a celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of Sir Robert and Lady Ho Tung held at the Gripps (Hong Kong Hotel). Also present are Major-General C. M. Maltby, Governor Sir Mark Young and a host of other dignitaries. It was the largest private function ever held at the Hotel.

Nevertheless, things are going on behind the scenes. Today the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation approves plans to move the Head Office from Hong Kong to Singapore, considered an impregnable fortress. But nothing will happen before the attack, perhaps partly because Governor Mark Young asks Sir Vandeleur Grayburn not to leave the Colony for fears that this would start a panic. Grayburn, who had planned to step down from the chief position, had agreed in 1940 to remain because of the serious position in the Far East; he allows himself to be convinced that the situation in Hong Kong is under control.

Sources:

Jardine, MacGregor: John Luff, The Hidden Years, 1967, 12-13

Grayburn: Frank King, The History of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation,  1988, Volume 3, 205, 568