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SECRET CYPHER TELEGRAM
WARNING This message must be thoroughly paraphrased if its text is to be published or communicated outside British or American Services or Departments. If re-transmitted unparaphrased other than through the Cabinet Office, the originator must mark the message "to be sent in One-Time Pad."
?2)
IMMEDIATE
Corrected Version - IZ 10598
From: C-IN-C. HONG KONG.
то :- CABINET OFFICES
Info :- CSEN,
9
SACSIA,
AIR MINISTRY.
TOO 191150z TUR 212100z
1 F10781 1147; 10
X COS B.
21st November, 1945.
For Chiefs of Staff.
Proposed Airfield Site Fing Shan for which approval in principle now given to include runway 2000 yards long of texture to V.H.B. standard. This estimated to with- stand 15000 pounds on two single wheels and should suffice for much heavier loads on three or more wheels. Consider however that with likely transcontinental commitment and high summer temperatures runway must be 3000 yards. Intend therefore proceeding with 2000 yards strip as approved and planning on 3000 yards already surveyed.
2.
Since project contemplates only one strip runway consider this should conform to transcontinental standard 120 yards wide and not 50 yards as approved. If after completion increased width required this would inevitably put airfield out of action for heavy traffic whilst work in progress and add very considerably to the expense. Intend therefore initiating work on 50 yards width as initially sanctioned and planning on 120 yards already surveyed.
3. Approved necessary of intended plans within three weeks for maximum economy. Firm decision earliest will greatly facilitate negotiations with local population who resent uncertainty of requisitioning as much as positive order for eviction(?). Furthermore compensatory measures must depend on requisitioned area. Firm indication of requirements will enable us to complete these measures thereby gaining confidence and support of local population and reduce validity of criticism from China.
4
Scope of airfield layout must depend upon primary requirements. Air Ministry in signal UX3(?) of 3rd November has instructed for HB CUM VHB standard whereas civil authorities here consider transcontinental standard
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