CO537-(1262-1649) — Page 627

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THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

2

this copy is

Ref.:

CO 537/1427

1

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

by is supplied subject to the National Archives' terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright

00116

TELEPHONE: LONDON WALL 1160.

2440.

Sir,

CHINA AssociATION.

RECEIVED

* AUG1948

COL. OFFICE

22923115746

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 Overseas 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- gic 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 facilities 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

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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 grateful 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, Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

Coly Pl.K.

85.

The Under-Secretary of State,

Colonial Office,

S.W.1.

į sien 26/2

CHAIRMAN.

+ 24/8

Cms

N

Ref.:

CO 537/1427

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

1

Ins

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