CO537-(205_1260-1262) — Page 328

0274

tack

n

used in

led

ations, aircraft

airfields

1, it is

brous

with the officers

› RF.

This

policy

Jouncil.

re

should

uld bo

In view

ointo

na

that

espoct

Ined in

hould the

ut it

t to

171

gapore.

adron,

prove

t the

y cump

ircraft

the

WOL

tremely

cms

Ref:

CO 537/1260

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

ד

N

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 copynght

002 15

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

N

Bet:

CO 537/1260

Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the National Archives and Conditions of supply of National Archives'

restrictions. Further information is given i

is and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyngh

leallel

-16-

weather and the naxima runway length is 1,400 yards,

J

The approaches

of Kai Tak are compromised by high ille ani in consequence the airfiolä

is not suitable for night flying. It is not considered that this airfield can be improved to canly with modern standards. JEROS PLATON] 126 Nkutwa chumba,

19.

Because of the disadvantages of Kai Tak a new airfield is under construction at Ping Shan. This airfield should be available for limited uso in about five months' time. Then completed the cirfield will be 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 airfields should be adequate for most purposes, peak periods of operations any call for emergency facilities. It is considered that in an oergency both Kai Tak and Ping Shan may be expected to be working to capacity and alternative landing strips ny be required. A site for a strip in nor being surveyed near Fanling Golf Courso.

EPLOYMENT OF FLYING BOATS.

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 luring normal periods, as well is its employment in an emergency.

It

is felt that notwithstanding il suolod 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 bo used to supplement the air transport services unor present conditions and to support the air lift operations in an energonoy; in addition it can be used for neteorological reconnaissaicoa and 7ar searc. at son, The value of a flying boat for air sea 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 in justified.

PHOTOGR:FFIC RECONFIGS/NCE.

22.

There are a number of air bases in China from which aircraft can izediately be deployed for strikes on Hong Kong. Counter strikes against aircraft located on those bases 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. 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 domestic backing.

REDFORCING ROUTE.

23.

The reinforcing route for baber or recommaissance aircraft prosents no difficulties 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 ani navigation limitations is a different problem. A possible route which is feasible for fighters is:-

ๆ