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In Hong Kong, the position of the francophonie was a priori very small during the inter-war period. The development of the French language eluded the diplomats – despite their initiatives – and followed other networks. Contrary to all expectations, French denominational schools did not play a major role in the teaching of the French language. British schools did a much better work. In addition to native speakers, the British adopted French as a language of culture and pleasure, and the locals (mainly Chinese and Vietnamese) used it professionally, but also as a tool for emancipation. As language is also a perceived content, the francophonie had a disembodied influence through ideas. For Vietnamese communist dissidents as well as for the British colonial elite, French was the vehicle of different cultures.