CO537-(1262-1649) — Page 550

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THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

Cms

Ref.:

CO 537/1427

Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the National Archives' terms and conditio

and that your use of it may be subject to copyright

restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leaflet

N

00048

COPY.

CONFIDENTIAL.

NEW AIRFIELD PROJECT FOR HONG KONG.

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Cms

Ref.:

CO 537/1427

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

2

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

History.

The present airfield in Hong Kong situated at Kai Tak

is now considered unsuitable for any modern type aircraft.

Although it is true that four-engined aircraft of the DC-54

(Skymaster) type are at present regularly using Kai Tak, it

is considered that this is the largest type of aircraft able

to operate safely in and out of the present airfield.

In January of this year Air Commodore Darley, Presi-

dent of the Airfield Board, Air Ministry, headed a mission to

Hong Kong to study the possibilities of constructing an air-

field conforming to modern aviation requirements. As a result

of his investigation, a site at Deep Bay was recommended as

being the only possible site in the Colony, able to meet the

necessary requirements. Deep Bay is, as is well-known,

situated in the leased territory near the border.

shows

During his visit Air Commodore Darley also inspected

Stonecutters Island and dismissed its possibilities with the

following remarks:- "Would give one strip of 1,000 yards

running NW-SE, which is one direction which the wind rose

is seldom if ever necessary. Would require tremendous cut and

fill to make the strip and the probable removal of the Royal

Naval Wireless Station on the Eastern end. Quite an impossible

proposition for a small strip. This is not capable of exten-

sion".

In view of such an adverse report on the possibilities

of Stonecutters, very little attention has since been given

to it until the 14th November, 1946, when as a result of a

telegram from the Air Ministry to the Air Officer Commanding, Hong Kong, a further reconnaisance of possible sites in ceded

territory was made. No suitable site was found on the island

of Hong Kong and therefore further consideration was given to

Stonecutters Island.

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