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THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
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(43)
Sir,
ECEIVED
23 SEP 1946
COL. C
4th September, 1946.
22923/15/400
I have the honour to refer to your despatch No. 46
of 11th June, 1946 and to my confidential despatch of 9th August, 177)
1946, and to address you on the subject of the construction of an
international airport within the Colony.
2.
I have had under close consideration the report of
J
the Mission headed by Air Commodore Darley, which visited Hong Kong
in February, 1946, and the whole question has been very fully dis-
cussed in the Executive Council. Mr. A. J. R. Moss, Director of
Air Services, who attended the discussion, reported that major
operators were unable to use the present airport at Kai Tak for
transcontinental four-engined aircraft and that Pan American Airways
were already negotiating with the authorities in Canton regarding
the use of an airfield there for such planes. This report is
confirmed by His Majesty's Consul-General in Canton and I enclose
for your information a copy of a despatch which was addressed to mo
by Mr. Ronald Hall on 13th August, 1946. The opinion of Council was
that it would be disastrous to Hong Kong's trade and position as K
centre of communications if a modern airport were not provided as
rapidly as possible. I thoroughly endorse this view and urge that
the construction of an airport, including one 3,170 yard rumway, be
commenced as soon as possible.
3.
The question of a suitable site has been discussed
at length and after due consideration of all alternatives, I have
reached the conclusion that the site at Deep Bay recommended by Air
Commodore Darley is the only practicable one for the project.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
GEORGE HALL, P.C., M.P.
RECEIVED
21 SFF 1946
D. RESY
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