Singapore offered a defensive point for a possible war against Japan. The comparison with Hong Kong and more forward positions turns on where British trade was concentrated. Defence at Singapore would keep the heavier flows behind the naval position, with India, modern Bangladesh, Thailand, Burma, the East, and Australia named in the discussion. Relatively little trade passed through the area nearer Japan, making it easier to block that area off from the heavier flows. The description of war with Japan as the Royal Navy's "dream" refers to this advantage in protecting commerce.
Notable Point · 1:59-2:55
Why Singapore, rather than Hong Kong, fit the trade map
Defending at Singapore would put heavy British trade flows behind the naval position, while comparatively little trade passed through the area nearer Japan.