For discussion
on 3rd January 1981
SECRET
XCS(81)1 26
Copy No
MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
THE PROPOSED SITING OF THE REPLACEMENT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN CHINA
Introduction
182/1
AKK 182
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51
i
sys®
of 28
On 19th August 1980,0thЕBúhåll considered memorandum XCC(80)101, a copy of which dealing with suggestions that had been floated to the effect that the airport to replace Kai Tak might be sited in China. The record of the Council's decision on this memorandum is set out below :
11
173.2
It was noted that the inference from
paragraph 3, that China had formally approached Hong Kong for a joint venture international airport in China, was not correct; the discussions between Vice-Premier Gu Mu and the Financial Secretary could not be taken as a formal approach by China either for China to be involved or for Hong Kong to locate its new airport in China.
Mr Bremridge suggested a further proposal to those in paragraph 12 by the addition of : (e) that China be invited to become involved in the project for an airport at Chek Lap Kok.
Sir S. Y. Chung stressed the importance of the political significance of a possible joint venture airport in China. He suggested approaching China now (as being politically the most opportune time)
for an airport to be located in China close to the HK/China border. Such an approach would afford an opportunity to ascertain China's views as to Hong Kong's future after 1997. He envisaged the airport as one in a project by project approach with China, thus establishing confidence in Hong Kong's future.
(a)
It was the majority view:
that because of first the practical and other difficulties which would arise in relation to such matters as security, control, transport, convenience and air traffic rights (if a new airport was located in China); second of the delay which would arise from negotiations, investigations, selection of site and construction in China; and third of the risks attaching to a possible failure to reach agreement with China, the new international airport for Hong Kong should be constructed at Chek Lap Kok;
SECRET