Liverpoolâs Chinese Community: the Second World War, Exile, and Repatriation

Andrew Williams

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Chapter 7 Liverpoolâs Chinese Community: the Second World War, Exile, and Repatriation

In: Forced Migration: Exiles and Refugees in the UK and the British Empire, 1815â1949

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Andrew Williams

Andrew Williams
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 172â196

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004689145_008

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Abstract

The Chinese community of Liverpool developed in the twentieth century out of the cityâs thriving, imperial, maritime trade. Alfred Holt & Co, also known as the Blue Funnel Line, routinely employed Chinese sailors as a cost-saving measure, with poorer rates and conditions than their European shipmates. In the 1930s and 1940s, the minority communities in Liverpool faced increasing discrimination, which coincided with increased trade union activity among Chinese sailors who lived shoreside. This culminated in the 1940s, during the Second World War, with strike action and other labour activities in protest of comparatively poor wages and working conditions. This chapter examines the reaction of local authorities and the British state to the striking Chinese seamen, as well as the response of American authorities to Chinese deserters at their ports, which was considered adverse to the Allied war efforts. The chapter discusses the justifications and logistics of the forced repatriation in 1945â46, after peace was made. It ends by noting the consequences for those deported and those left behind, and relating that to modern efforts for justice.

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Forced Migration: Exiles and Refugees in the UK and the British Empire, 1815â1949

Series:Â Studies in Global Social History, Volume: 55/18Â andÂ Studies in Global Migration History, Volume: 55/18

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004689145

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 13 Mar 2025

Subjects
- History
  - Modern History
  - Migration History

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Part 1 Introduction

Part 2 The Metropole

Part 3 British Imperial Experiences

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Chapter 7 Liverpoolâs Chinese Community: the Second World War, Exile, and Repatriation

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Forced Migration: Exiles and Refugees in the UK and the British Empire, 1815â1949

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Chapter 7 Liverpoolâs Chinese Community: the Second World War, Exile, and Repatriation

Forced Migration: Exiles and Refugees in the UK and the British Empire, 1815â1949