Landed cound at
Mem confer al A/M
Ch
CIVIL AVIATION IN CHINA.
23
10/9/29 alg
902565/291
32
W.
1.
In otobar 1928 the Colonial Office asked the Air Ministry to comment on proposals received from the Governor of Hong Kong for the development of civil aviation in the Golony. The proposals were based on a memorandumM by xr. Vaughan Fowler who then held a commission in the Royal Air Force.
The proposals were discussed by Air Vice Marshal @ir W.3. Branoker with Sir Cecil Clementi, Governor of Hong Kong, in November 1988.
The Air Ministry were unable to offer detailed comment In the estimated costs of the scheme owing to the meagre particulars furnished. The Colonial Office, however, informe #ir C. Clementi in May 1929, that they were prepared to approva in principle assistance in some form being given by the Government of Hong Yong and that the matter would be further considered when more precise details were available.
Mr. Fowler has brought his proposals to the notice of H.M. Minister in ?øking and at an interview with the latter on £6th January, 1929 Mr. Fowler requested that consent should be obtained for his company to start a regular air service between Hong Kong and Shanghai via the coaet ports. To this request .. Kinistor replied that
the possibility of applying to Hanking and seeing the result would be considered". Mr. Fowler was asked to put hie wishes in writing.
▲ company styled Far zast Aviation Company (of which ur. Fowlere now Henager) has been formed:-
To intrones British aircraft, enginee and accessories into China.
(1)
(2.
To organise and establish British air lines to operate from and to Hong Kong.
(3)
To organise the formation of a seaplane flying olub at Hong Kong.
With regard to (1) the main difficulty to be faced is American and German competition. Chinese pilots appear to have a preference for machines of these countries. The high initial and operɛtional coste re not adversely against British machines.
With regard to (2) plans are being prepared for a Eritish Company, registered in Hong Kong. to operate mail, passenger and freight services to and from Hong Kong. The proposal corers lines to Sacao, Canton, Swatow, Amoy, fooohow and Shanghai. It is stated that the Provinces will raise no difficulties.
With regard to (3) efforts to form a Club are being pushed forward, Thirty people have expressed their willingness to join.