The period before the war saw a phenomenal increase in new migrants to Singapore. Many of them were Chinese, who continued to regard China as their homeland. Anti-Japanese feelings arose when they heard news of the Japanese invasions of Manchuria in 1931 and China in 1937. Various organizations were consequently set up to conduct a boycott of Japanese goods as well as raise funds for the Chinese war effort. The small Japanese community in Singapore was not affected, but many of them were repatriated and the Japanese Consulate was closed in December 1941. In the face of Japanese aggression, the British began to strengthen its military presence on the island by bringing in Australian and Indian troops. Men were recruited for the Singapore Volunteer Corps and the Malay Regiment. A naval flotilla also arrived in Singapore. Despite all efforts,their preparation was inadequate and nothing stunned the British more than the events of 8 December 1941. ^^^
