L
$1
undertaken for the defence of Hongkong. Whatever
#
the potential value of Commercial Aircraft may
# be for War purposes, the development of
#
18
It
晗
#
H
#1
#
#
"
a Commercial Service should proceed on purely Commercial lines.
In short the Air Ministry will not, under
present conditions attempt to establish an Air
Base at Hongkong. If, however, Commercial
conditions were to call for a Commercial Air
Service at Hongkong, the Air Ministry would
encourage such development. The desirability of establishing an Air Base at Hongkong, if and when such a course becomes practicable, should, however, be borne in mind, and any projected building construction which might
have a restrictive influence on flying facilities
on or in the vicinity of suitable sites for Aerodromes and Seaplane Bases should be
It
carefully watched."
The considerations of Police and of civil aviation demand foresight in the provision of space for a shore aerodrome and in my view the time is not far distant when the development of military aviation in China will demand a modification of "these proposals for an Air Base". It is necessary in any event, having regard to the dearth of suitable aerodrome sites in this Colony to be prepared for the possibilities to which the "Notes" refer.
7.
The adequate defence of this Colony demands the continuous presence of aircraft: and proper provision even for seaplanes includes space ashore. The Hermes has latterly utilised, as has been stated in paragraph 5 above, a small portion at the west
end