During the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong (1941-1945), many European people, American residents and Portuguese immigrants in Hong Kong came to Macao to escape the war. Macao, having the advantage of being a neutral area, offered them a temporary place to stay during the war time, and supplied them with war news and information through local radio broadcasting. The famous historian of Macao, J.M. Braga, was a journalist and broadcaster at that time, and produced an English program every Friday evening. This radio program comforted the heart of the refugees and allowed them to stay updated on social affairs. After the war, J.M. Braga was awarded by the Chinese government for his contribution to the Chinese intelligence service in Macao.