11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Reconnaissance
Bomber seaplanes.
Torpedo planes Land machines).
For preliminary reconnaissance to seaward. For guiding torpedo planes to objective. For bomb- ing attack on enemy ships, troops and establishments. For artillery observation and photography.
For attack on (1) enemy aircraft carriers, (2) other enemy war- ships and transports.
Provision of aircraft,
The number of aircraft required to carry out these duties effectively would entail a permanent aerodrome, hangars, repair shops, etc., in fact a complete air base ashore.
It appears that the establishment of an airbase under the R.A.F. control in the Colony of Hongkong is permissible under the terms of the Washington Agreement. Article XIX of that Treaty lays down, with regards to Hongkong, "that no measures shall be taken to increase the existing naval facilities for the repair and maintenance of naval forces, and that no increase shall be made in the coast defences", (The underlinings are not in the text).
No mention is made of Air Forces; the stationing of such in the Colony is considered to be analogous to the addition of an extra battalion to the Garrison, and not necessarily an increase in the coast defences, but rather an addition to the armed forces required for police work.
If the above argument is correct, then the strength of an Air Force based on Hongkong need be limited by questions of expense only.
The number of machines then which it is considered desirable to have available for the defence of the Colony, is:
18 Fighters.
6 Reconnaissance Bombers. 6 Torpedo planes.
The cost of this force, is no doubt much in excess of what the Government is likely to approve for a considerable time, and the force suggested is-
9 Fighters (Land machines). 4 Reconnaissance Machines (bombing)
(seaplanes)
6 Torpedo planes (land machines). with the usual proportion of spares.
This is considered the minimum number of fighters and reconnaissance machines necessary; any reduction of the total number of machines should be at the expense of the torpedo planes.
As a base for this Air Force, it is suggested that the existing temporary landing ground should be used, hangars, stores, repair shops, accommodation etc., being erected, and although this is not
essential