і
26
possible to produce wireless power sufficient for this range by the employment of thermionic valves. The current thus generated adinits of the sharpest tuning, allowing the use of a large number of contiguous wave-lengths, and it is particularly suitable for high-speed working. Important experiments in 11(d),20. the design and construction of valves have been carried out at the Nav
Signal School at Portsmouth, in high-speed signalling by the use of valves at the Army Signals Experimental Establishment at Woolwich, and at the Post Office. The valve system is undoubtedly in the line of future development of wireless telegraphy, and it promises to cost less than the arc system to install and operate.
§ 11 (8)
§ 36.
§ 37
§ 45.
§ 41
A Post Office wireless service by arcs, sanctioned by the Cabinet last In our year, will shortly be in operation between England and Egypt. opinion this service should carry all the African traffic, through a new valve station near Nairobi, East Africa, and the ex-German station at Windhuk, South Africa, the latter being transformable at slight expense into an efficient valve station. For the Indian, Far Eastern and Australian service we propose that valve stations should be erected in England, near Cairo, in India, at Singapore, at Hongkong, and on the north or west coast of Australia.
The Imperial wireless scheme we recommend is shown in the accom- panying map. We are of opinion that by this procedure official, commercial, and press traffic will be carried reliably, expeditiously and economically, and that essential strategic needs will be met.
Communication between England and Canada can be secured by similar valve stations in each country, but this highly desirable service must be decided upon by conference between the British and Dominion authorities. A satisfactory commercial service between western Canada and Australia we
$ 18, 14, regard as of such extreme difficulty at the present stage of development as to
be beyond practical consideration.
42, 43.
§ 38.
$40.
§ 46.
$ 47.
The
The capital cost of the scheme outlined above is estimated at £1,243,000, of which £853,000 would be payable by the Imperial Government, annual charges, including interest on capital at 6 per cent., and complete amortization of all plant and buildings within a proper period, are estimated at £425,000, of which £268,000 would fall upon the Imperial Government. The total estimated annual traffic for the whole service would be about 10,000,000 words, producing a revenue of £325,000, of which £205,000 would be receivable by the Imperial Government.
On balance, the opening years would show an annual loss of about £100,000, of which £63,000 would be payable by the Imperial Government, £4,000 by the Indian Government, £20,000 by the Australian Government, and £13,000 by the South African Government. We are of opinion that this initial loss is less than might have been expected; that our proposals represent the quickest method, consistent with the greatest economy, by which a satisfactory Imperial service, embodying the latest scientific progress, can be secured; that these losses will decrease year by year and will be turned into a profit in ten years; and that in any case the loss may be regarded as negligible in comparison with the Imperial benefits conferred.
The chain of stations, at least three-quarters of the material of which would be supplied by commercial manufacturing firms, should be completed in two years after the issue of the plans and specifications.
The practical procedure to give effect to our recommendations would be the creation of a Wireless Commission of about four members to plan the
2,779
BATHURST
AGHDAD
NAIROBI (9)
WINDHUK
:
2,430
Outline Map
on
Equal Area Projection.
Showing the
Imperial Wireless Scheme.
recommended in this Report.
F.
.W.T.C.1920
Are Stations.
O Valve
Great Circle distances in Statute Miles.
505