72
are coming, but I would urge for more and more. I feel sure
that a sufficient number of aircraft will keep the Japanese
at a distance from Malaya.
I would suggest also that aircraft from here should
The distance would be
fly to Saigon and Hanoi in Indo-China.
nothing to the Blenheims.
From here to Saigon is about 600
miles and the Dutch run a regular service with land machine 8.
I believe that from Saigon to Hanoi is about 1,500 kilometres
by the coast and a good deal less over the land. We would
give the flights proper publicity, and ensure that the Siamese
should hear of them. And perhaps later Crosby could manage
to arrange a flight to Bangkok, if indeed the squadrons do not
pass there on their way here. They might at any rate pass
sufficiently near the Siamese coast to be observed.
advertise that we are becoming strong in the East.
here that the failure of the Siamese Air Force to visit
Singapore in June is attributed entirely to Japanese influence;
and the progress that is apparently being made in Siam by
Japan, who are blamed for the arrest of certain Chinese Bank
managers, is causing much apprehension among local Chinese.
We should
I may bay
The Governor-General of French Indo-China is passing
through Singapore in a week's time and I will speak to him
about the proposed flights. I am sure he will agree.
I will send you further reports from time to time.
I have a meeting of the Federal Council next week and I will
take the opportunity of making a statement.
I am sending a copy of this letter to liorthcote as
I imagine he has the same problems as I have, though in much
greater de ree, and he may be able to offer other suggestions
or to improve on mine.
Yours sincerely,
(Signed) T.S.W.THOMAS.