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Ref:
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
CO 537/1260
N
restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leaflet
Please now that this copy is supplied subject to the National Archives' terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyrigh
00308
-16-
weather and the maximam rumway length is 1,400 yards.
The approaches
of Kai Tak are compromised by high hills and in consequence the airfield
is not suitable for night flying. It is not considered that this airfield can be improved to comply with modern standards.
19.
Because of the disadvantages of Kai Tak a new airfield is
This airfield should be available under construction at Ping Shan.
Then completed the for liited use in about five months time. airfield vill bo suitable for use by modern aircraft by day or night. The runway is being completed to 2,000 yards but is capable of extension up to 3,000 yards if required.
20.
Although the two irfields should be adequate for nost purposes, peak periods of operations may call for emergency facilities. It is considered tht in an emergency both Kai Tak and Ping Shan may be orpected to be working to capacity and alternative landing strips may be required. A site for a strip is now being surveyed near Fanling Golf Course.
EMPLOY ENT OF FLYING BOTS.
21,
The case for the retention of the flying boat squadron in Hong Kong it is considered depends upon the use to which it may be put during normal periods, as well as its employment in an emergency.
It
is felt that notwithstanding its outmoded potential as a corbat aircraft,
Quiromont in the Colony under present the flying boat is an essenti conditions and can also show a tight lividend in time of emergency. The flying boat squadron can be used to supplement the air transport services unier present conditions and to support the air lift operations in an energency; in addition it can be used for noteorological
The value of a flying boat reconnaissances and ar search at sua.
for air son rescue is considerable and is a prosent day requirement. The above factors appear to indicate that the retention of a flying boat squadron in Hong Kong is justified.
PHOTOGRAPHIC RECOULISSLICE,
22.
There are a number of air bases in China from which aircraft
Counter strikes can imediately be deployed for strikes on Hong Kong. against aircraft located on those basos would achieve very little unless worth while targets are revealed by reliable and up-to-date reconnais- sance. Furthermore, a condition of potential air bases during peace and preparations that might be in progress should be kept under frequent review. Those requirements could be adequately fulfilled by a small detachment of P. R. aircraft, preferably single-engined aircraft to be suporimposed on the fighter squadron organization for maintainance and domestic booking.
REINFORCING ROUTE.
23.
The reinforcing route for boaber or reconnaissance aircraft presents no difficulties and im lvos a flight of some 1,400 miles from Singapore to liong Kong. On the other hand, a satisfactory route for a single-engined fighter with its shorter range and navigation limitations is a different problem. A possible route which is feasible for fighters
is:-
CO 537/1260
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leallet a nota that this copy is supplied subject to the National Archives' terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright
J