116
and 50 miles respectively.
These sites are all near the
sea and offer facilities for the landing of stores and the
development of air bases. They are, however, all unprepared
Since these sites are and would take some time to develop.
all in Chinese territory, Japan would be unable to make
preparations without obtaining concessions from China, which,
There are,
in present circumstances, would seem unlikely.
therefore, no alternative places which Japan could easily
develop within a convenient range for attacks on Hong Kong by air, and if it is possible to sterilise her attempt to chtain a footing in Macao we shall increase considerably the security
of Hong Kong.
10.
Coastal or other fast motor boats operating from Macao
would also be a source of considerable danger to our Fleet
moored in Hong Kong. These boats can be assembled
unobtrusively and operated without all the previous
preparation required for an air base.
No anti-Coastal Motor
Boat boom is at present included in the Hong Kong defences
end it would be a costly addition.
The Western entrance of Hong Kong harbour is over two
miles wide and the waters to Macao, 40 miles distant, are
comparatively sheltered.
Economic Considerations.
11. Macao could not replace Hong Kong as a principal deen
sea port, but the harbour could, with some dredging, be made fit to take ships up to 5,000 tons, which would probably
lead to the diversion from Hong Kong of much coastal Japanese
and other shipping. Furthermore, recently reclaimed areas
are available for an aerodrome which might be used in
furtherance of Japanese, and to the prejudice of British,
commercial aviation interests.
-3-