1
2
Cms
Ref.:
CO 537/1427
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
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
00117
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
1
2
Cms
Ref.:
1
CO 537/1427
Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the National Archives
restrictions Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leaflet and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright
TELEPHONE: LONDON WALL 1180.
2440
Sir,
CHINA
RECEIVED
2. AUG 1946
COL. OFFICE
ASSOCIATION.
22923/15/46
yo
31-37. BROAD STREET HOUSE,
OLD BROAD STREET,
LONDON, E.C. 2.
23rd August, 1946
CIVIL AIR FACILITIES AT HONG KONG.
At the meeting of the Executive Committee of this Association which took place on August 20th, consideration was given to the need for an airport capable of receiving all types of modern air passenger liners at Hong Kong.
My Committee understands that, at the present time, the landing facilities in Hong Kong are unsuitable for receiving the larger types of craft such as those on trans-Pacific (U.S/ China and Australia/China) routes, and it has been given to understand that, although the Lines flying these routes would like to make Hong Kong a terminal or junction point, some of them, including British Qverseas Airways Corporation, are con- templating looking to Canton or elsewhere on the Mainland unless they can be assured that Hong Kong will, at an early date, be equipped to receive their aircraft.
My Committee would view with the greatest concern the prospect of Hong Kong losing the place which it should unquestionably hold in civil aviation, by right of its strate- gio position, and the security which derives from a British form of government. It is unnecessary for me to draw the analogy between the benefit and strength which the Empire has derived from the free port facilitics which it has provided for international shipping, and the benefits which it should derive in the future from similar provision for aircraft. therefore have the honour to make the strongest possible rep- resentations in favour of early action towards the construction in Hong Kong of an up-to-date airport capable of handling and servicing the largest types of modern land planes.
I
If, as I believe, the need for this provision is already accepted by the Hong Kong Government and the Departments of H.M. Government concerned, and a suitable site decided upon, then I have the honour to suggest that construction should be undertaken without further delay; it is the opinion of this Association that no delay should be permitted merely on the grounds that it is necessary to decide where the cost is to lie, and that, if the desirability in fact necessity - of the project is agreed, then it should be commenced whilst discussions on financial questions proceed.
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I am forwarding a copy of this letter to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and I shall be Frateful if I may be favoured at an early date with an expression of the views of H:.......... Government on the proposals advanced.
I have the honour to be, Eir,
Your obedient Servant,
The Under-Secretary of State,
Colonial Office,
S.1.1.
nilised
CHAIRMAN.
4 24418