י
e
SECRET.
286-0.
of His Britannic Majesty's Government.
374
Imperial Defence. November 1926.
Copy No. 18
COMMITTEE OF IMPERIAL DEFENCE.
HONG KONG: DEFENCE OF.
(Previous C.I.D. Papers Nov. 617–B, 677-R, 119-C, 120-C, 146-C, 167-C, 181-C, 184-C, 185-C, 186-C, 231–C, 235-0, 240–0, 257-0, 263-0 and 282-C.)
NEED FOR IMMEDIATE PURCHASE OF KAI TAK AREA FOR CONSTRUCTION OF AN AERODROME.
NOTE BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR AIR.
I CIRCULATE herewith, for consideration by the Committee of Imperial Defence, a Memorandum by the Air Staff drawing attention to the need for the immediate purchase of the Kai Tak area at Hong Kong, since this is the only site where adequate facilities are available from the point of view of defence.
(Signed)
SAMUEL HOARE.
Air Ministry, November 22, 1926.
Enclosure.
Note by the Air Staff.
1. The Joint Staffs Sub-Committee have recommended (C.I.D. 282-C, Appendix I) that the Kai Tak reclamation area should be acquired without delay for the purpose of The Chiefs of Staff at their 36th Meeting the construction of an aerodrome. commended this recommendation on strategical grounds (C.O.S. 44). The Oversens Defence Committee at their 271st Meeting also expressed general agreement that, from the point of view of defence, the acquisition of the Kai Tak reclamation area was highly desirable.
2. The question bas now arisen as to whether the purchase of the site should not be made contingent on an interpretation of the Washington Treaty arrived at after consultation with the signatory Powers of the treaty, and one legally permitting the establishment of an aerodrome at Hong Kong,
3. The Air Staff regard with great anxiety the possibitity of indefinite delays in the acquisition of this area, the only possible site for an aerodrome which will serve the defence needs of Hong Kong.
4. An aerodrome at Hong Kong is necessary to fulfil the following needs in the event of war-time operations :-
(a.) To accommodate air units to resist enemy air and sea-borne attacks.
(b.) To co-operate with naval forces in the defence of Hong Kong and to furnish
shore facilities for the Fleet Air Arm.
(c.) To allow of air co-operation with the Army in connection with coastal and
landward defences of Hong Kong.
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