Washburn (AKA 108) - Naval Cruise Book

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l 144 .,f,,' K I . . . 210 wg T0 my political and commercial interests in the Far East, a warehouse for the great market of China, and a center of Western orientation for Chinese people. Geographically, economically, and politically, Hong Kong is a vital crossroad of the Far East. It is also a chief point of exit and entry for the Communist-dominated China main- land. The colony comprises an area of approximately 392 square miles and includes the island of Hong Kong and a section of the mainland which is divided between Kowloon and the New or Leased Territories. Of this only 62 square miles are usuable and the re- mainder is largely swampy or mountainous. The principal business area is located on the island of Hong Kong, officially known as the City of Victoria, however it is generally referred to as Hong Kong . The population is now officially estimated at 3.2 million. By far the largest part of this consists of over one million refugees who have fled to Hong Kong since 1949 when the Communists completed their seizure of mainland China. They constitute the largest single group of anti-communist refugees in the world and they are still arriving at the rate of 50,000 a year. .wi I V. Hong Kong is an island between two worlds where oppos- '18 , mp, 1 . 'is ing ideologies, cultures, and races live together for mutual financial gain. The new, modern buildings and busy atmosphere of the place seem to express a faith in the future on the part of those who live there. However, the endless stream of refugees that conti- nues to pour into the colony from Communist China is a reminder that Hong Kong is at the edge of a whirpool which at any time could swallow the island. The citizens of Hong Kong do not forget what lies behind the low range of gently rolling hills which stretch to the east and west 30 miles north of the harbor. However, business and life continue as usual from day to day. , The richest jewel in the British Crown, Hong Kong is a city of immense wealth and gran- deur, a city of bargains, where the most elemental struggle for survival is everywhere to be seen. It is a splendor of sights and sounds, a city of noise, with honking cabs, shrills of vendors and richshaw boys, packed tenements, and people of many nationalities and langu- ages such as Mongol, Indian, British, Malay and Eurasian. The many odd and almost repul- sive smells won't be forgotten, especially the odors of dried squid and chom-pon cooking in the steets. There are many beautiful, modern buildings. Steel and glass apartment houses enjoy panoramic views of the harbor and hillsides. Under the shadow of the towering Victoria Peak, Hong Kong faces the bay which is always teaming with junks, sampans, liners, and tramp Steamers, bearing the goods of the world to market. Across the bay from Hong Kong lies Kowloon, an even more modern city and and beyond that Communist China. 27

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Ki.. . V ,Q 'Q V -Q f'f'r f ,...... H- 8' ,J Q21 ' Xe, 1 X Qi. -va ,vu .ll NIJ ' . ....ff-Pt fr-'1'f'+'m'R1 v' P gli 15. ii 1 l vI I 1 il-A i X may Zan? has a history which began more than 400 years ago when Europeans were attempting to penetrate China for trading purposes. The Portuguese traders were the first in the area. They arrived on the China coast in 1513 and, by persistant pressure, managed to obtain an establishment at Macao through which they might trade with China. When the British and Dutch traders followed in the 17th century, they found that the Chinese refused to have any dealings with Europeans other than the Portuguese. It was not until 1700 that British trade with China was established as a result of a policy change by the Chinese. During the negotiations between the British Plenipotentiary and the representatives of the Chinese Emperor, following the Cpium War of 1839, the island of Hong Kong was offered to the British traders as a depot. The offer was accepted and the island was occupied by the British in Ianuary 1841. Hong Kong was, from the start, established as a free port and open to all. Kowloon and the small Stonecutter's Island were ceded to Oiko in 1860 and in 1898 the area known as the New Territories was leased to Britian for a period of 99 years. The British Crown Colony of Hong Kong has traditionally been a major outpost of British 26 43 we A 3 , 6 r H. fs rg

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fv I Pre sk A? J '4 ll electronic equipment, jade and woodwork were among the most popular. It was fun to simply walk around the streets and look at the shops and study the people. The children were especially interesting to watch. So Hong Kong was a land of extremes. Modern jet airliners, large stone buildings, and huge cargo ships contrasted strongly with the ancient rickshaws, paper-thin huts, and flimsy sampans. After being in Hong Kong as station ship for one month, most of us agreed that this was the best liberty port we had visited so far. We had a wonderful time and will look forward to see- ing Hong Kong again. , 28 5s In nearby Aberdeen one may enjoy excellent seafood served at one of the famous floating restaurants. Aberdeen is also known for its thousands of junks and sampans that choke the inlet. These are the homes of the Tanaka, or egg people , who live completely upon the Water, a race apart. Their environment is nothing more than a hodge-podge of bamboo and sails. Sources of entertainment were unlimited in Hong Kong. One may ride on the tram to the top of Victoria Peak to View the city below, visit beautiful Repulse Bay, or walk through the strange Tiger Balm Gardens. In Hong Kong or Kowloon there were many shops and restaurants. Pur- chases such as clothing, .fn I ,, . ,J M' ' ,- , '- f ' 3,1 r ' 'NHL . -2'-. ur- 1- ' ' .