大象传媒

The Mystery of the East

As the war in the far east settled to an uneasy peace, I, like thousands more, found myself in the area of China, first reclaimed from the Japanese 鈥� The Hong Kong , Kowloon section of British Mandated Territories.

Watching a kaleidoscope of colour and hearing the delightful sing-song of Chinese voices as we waited at Kowloon for the ferry to Hong Kong.

I am sure that we, the British, could only watch with feeling akin to amazement, at possibly the happiest people in the world, despite the frightful treatment inflicted on them at the hands of the Japanese soldiers, leaving the Chinese with nothing to give but impeccable manners and a smile that brightened the day, anyone privileged to serve in this area in 1945 must have benefited from knowing these lovely people.

Now in the waiting queue for the ferry, a loud-mouthed American Marine told all within earshot that all females in Hong Kong were prostitutes; all had a price 鈥� a statement I thought an atrocious generalisation, and quickly told him so, the outcome being that if I were willing to lay a bet with him of 拢2 (almost a weeks pay for us service men) I could select any female in this territory and if she were not a prostitute I would win the bet.

On agreeing we slowly boarded the ferry to Hong Kong - the ferry incidentally reserved the upper saloon for Europeans and 1st class Chinese; (to me an insult to the Chinese in their own country).

After settling down in the upper saloon I was immediately attracted to, perhaps, the most beautiful woman I had ever seen, dressed in a black and white kimono, hair expensively styled, perfectly manicured hands and an engagement ring with a pigeon egg sized diamond and as she turned the pages of her book I saw, written in English, Dickens, A Christmas Carol.

This, I thought, was my chance to silence the big-mouthed American Marine, sat to my left. Turning, I told him I nominated the beauty in the black and white kimono; his reply of 鈥淔ollow me Jack鈥� prompted our advance on the girl.

Touching her gently on the shoulder he said, 鈥滺ow much I sleep with you Madam鈥�. I waited for the outburst! Looking up she smiled and said 鈥�25 Hong Kong dollar Sir鈥�

Later I climbed the steps of the fleet club 拢2 lighter, a sadder but wiser man. M y opinion of the Chinese people though, is still unaltered, a happy and wonderful race.

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