Copy.
Department of State,
Washington.
14th March 1927.
69
Excellency:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of
your note No. 94 of February 3, 1927, informing the
Department that in view of the situation in China and
of the possible danger of an attack on Hongkong, the
British Government is purchasing land for the immediate
establishment of an aerodrome on the main territory, and
that in the opinion of your Government these preparations
cannot be regarded as an infringement of the Washington
Naval Treaty. You add that in order, however, to avoid
any possibility of its attitude being misconstrued, the
British Government desires that the Powers that are
parties to Article 19 of the Treaty of Washington should
be notified of the proposed establishment of the
aerodrome mentioned.
In reply I have the honor to say that due note has
been taken of the information conveyed in your note.
Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my
highest consideration.
For the Secretary of State.
(Sgd.) Joseph C. Grew.
His Excellency
The Right Honourable
Sir Esme Howard, G.C.M.G., K.C.B., C.V.O.,
Ambassador of Great Britain.