T
of a landing ground for aireraft at Hong Kong.
Since the question was considered in July 1925 (C.1.D. Paper 248-0) the position has changed and subsequent
events, particularly the state of China and the Cantonese
disturbances, have demonstrated the desirability of
establishing at Hong Kong an aerodrome which would be
available for both civil and military purposes.
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22561
In accordance with the conclusion reached at the
218th Meeting of the C.I.D. the financial aspecte affecting the establishment of the aerodrome are being investigated.
As it now appears possible that no question may be
raised as to the right of the Japanese Government to move an
air unit to Formosa, the Council would be glad to be informed
whether Sir Austen Chamberlain still considers it desirable
to proceed with the proposal contained in paragraph 4 of
Foreign Office letter of the 18th February 1926, 7.810/11/10
that the question of the working of Article 19 of the Washington
Agreement should be discussed between the three Powers concerned.
As Sir Austen Chamberlain is aware, the Council are
anxious to discuss with the Treasury the question of the
acquisition of the site for an aerodrome at Hong Kong but feel
unable to make any definite proposals whilst the possibility
of negotiations with the Japanese and United States Govern-
ments remains open, and would therefore be grateful if they
could be informed of 3ir Austen Chamberlain's viewa na early
as possible.
Copies of this letter have been sent to the Colonial
Office, Admiralty. War Office and Committee of Imperial Defence.
296
Colonial Office
I am
Bir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Sgd.) J. A. WEBSTER.