00341
Ref.
CO 537/1260
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
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weather and the maxim runway 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 camly with modern standards.
19.
Because of the disadva.tages of Kai Tak a new airfield is under construction at Ping Shan. This airfield should be available for liited use in about five months' time. When completed the airfield will be suitable for use by nodem aircraft by day or night. The runway is being caplated to 2,000 yards but is capable of oxtension up to 3,000 yards if required.
20.
Although the two airfields should be adequate for most purposos, puak periods of operations may call for emergency facilities. It is considered tht in an omorguncy both Kai Tak and Ping Shan may be expected 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 FIT OF FLYING BOLTS.
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 outarded potential as a combat aircraft, the flying boat is an essential requirement in the Colony under present conditions and can also show a slight dividend in time of emergency. The flying boat squadron can be used to supplement the air transport services under present conliti and to support the air lift operations in an emergency; in addition it can be used for neteorological reconnaissancos and for search at sea. The value of a flying boat
for air soa rescue is considerable and is a present day requirement. The above factors appear to indicate that the retention of a flying boat squadron in Hong Kong is justified.
PHOTOGRAPHIC RECOMIMISS/ICE.
22,
There are a number of air bases in China from which aircraft can imediately be deployed for strikes on Hong Kong. Counter strikes against aircraft located on these bases would achieve very littlo unless worth while targets were revealed by reliable and up-to-date reconnais- sanco. Furthermore, a condition of potential air bases during peace and preparations that might be in progress should be kept under frequent review. These requirements could be adequately fulfilled by a small detachment of P. R. aircraft, preferably single-engined aircraft to be superimposed on the fighter squadron organization for maintainance and donostic backing.
REINFORCING ROUTE.
23.
The reinforcing route for boaber or recommaissance aircraft presents no difficultios and involves a flight of some 1,400 miles from Singapore to Hong 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:-
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