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THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Cms
Ref.:
CO 537/1427
Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the National Archives' terms and conditio
and that your use of it may be subject to copyright
restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leaflet
N
00048
COPY.
CONFIDENTIAL.
NEW AIRFIELD PROJECT FOR HONG KONG.
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2
Cms
Ref.:
CO 537/1427
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
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restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leaflet. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the National Archives' terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright
History.
The present airfield in Hong Kong situated at Kai Tak
is now considered unsuitable for any modern type aircraft.
Although it is true that four-engined aircraft of the DC-54
(Skymaster) type are at present regularly using Kai Tak, it
is considered that this is the largest type of aircraft able
to operate safely in and out of the present airfield.
In January of this year Air Commodore Darley, Presi-
dent of the Airfield Board, Air Ministry, headed a mission to
Hong Kong to study the possibilities of constructing an air-
field conforming to modern aviation requirements. As a result
of his investigation, a site at Deep Bay was recommended as
being the only possible site in the Colony, able to meet the
necessary requirements. Deep Bay is, as is well-known,
situated in the leased territory near the border.
shows
During his visit Air Commodore Darley also inspected
Stonecutters Island and dismissed its possibilities with the
following remarks:- "Would give one strip of 1,000 yards
running NW-SE, which is one direction which the wind rose
is seldom if ever necessary. Would require tremendous cut and
fill to make the strip and the probable removal of the Royal
Naval Wireless Station on the Eastern end. Quite an impossible
proposition for a small strip. This is not capable of exten-
sion".
In view of such an adverse report on the possibilities
of Stonecutters, very little attention has since been given
to it until the 14th November, 1946, when as a result of a
telegram from the Air Ministry to the Air Officer Commanding, Hong Kong, a further reconnaisance of possible sites in ceded
territory was made. No suitable site was found on the island
of Hong Kong and therefore further consideration was given to
Stonecutters Island.
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