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Ref.:
CO 537/1261
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
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7
N
September, 1946.
3.
The usefulness of Kai Tak Aerodrome, the only one in the
Colony, is strictly limited by topographical considerations; it is
regarded as adequate from the aeronautical point of view for most known types of single-engined and twin-engined aircraft, but four- engined aircraft ware, in the early days of the Military Adminis- tration, forbidden to use it at all. This prohibition has since
that time been to some extent relaxed, particularly as regards
certain types of civil aircraft, but the fact remains that by reason
of its limited size and of the steep hills which surround it, this
aerodrome is considered by the R.A.P. authorities to be of very
limited usefulnose for heavy aircraft of the four-engined type.
The implications of the above facts can be readily
On the basis of the Chiefs of Staff Committee's
recommendations mentioned above the Colony must rely entirely for
its aerial strength in the ovent of an emergency on units of the
R.A.P. being flow in from other bases, possibly in the face of
opposition from the air; the reinforcement of the Army garrison,
1.
appreciated.
It is
which may very shortly be reduced to one Brigade, would have to be
carried out, very probably at short notice, from Singapore.
most desirable that the rapid reinforcement of tho permanent
garrison by means of air trooping should be at all times possible,
but unless an additional and more suitable aerodrome with adequate
ground facilities can be made available it would be most unwise to
rely, except to a very limited extent, on this possibility. I am
informed that night fighter aircraft cannot be operated from Kså
Tak Aerodrome and in view of this fact, no matter how rapid the
reinforcement of the air garrison from other bases, it would be
impossible to provide protection in the air during the hours of
darleness.
5.
The Deep Bay project would be in all respects asqeptable
N
Ref.:
CO 537/1261
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
N
restrictions Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of
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 copyrigi
National Archives' leafiel