CO537-3707 — Page 89

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in London, but even if airfield vere to cease to exist, flyingboat base would remain for many years, if not for good, at Kai Tak, and Kowloon City commands that also within small arms range,

(c) Furthermore, there is difficulty that military aircraft can only fly over alien territory with consent of the Government of that territory, and if the Chinese Authorities so wished they could by (corrupt group) (?use of) position of Kowloon City in line of approach to Kai Tak prevent military from using Kai Tak by withholding their permission to fly over Chinese territory.

(a) Position of alien territory near airfield and near important docks would be particularly embarrassing (?if omitted) in (group omitted ?event of) war such territory were neutral. It would for example be impossible to enforce a blackout in the area and if all surrounding areas were blacked out it would give ideal aiming mark for enemy bombers attempting to reid the airfield or docks..

(a) It would be possible for allan authorities in Kowloon City to erect wireless masta or flying obstructions which would seriously hamper operations from Kai Tək, It would be possible for them to jem radio communications and station transmitting landing instructions.

(f) Kowloon City commands one of the mala (Turban) roads from Kowloon, used night and day by military traffic,

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In view of the above it camot be contended that alien possession of K.W. Co is consistent with military defence of the Colony. Point obviously applies in time of war, but it applies with equal if not greater force in preparations for war, which would be dangerously hampered if they had to be carried out until very last moment mader the noses of alien administration,

5,

Above are military objections to alien control of Kowloon City, but I may add the following points:-

(a) Japanese attacks upon China were without doubt greatly assisted by the presence within Chinese territory of Japaness concessions. These concessions enabled secret militery call-ups to be undertaker which enabled a simultaneous external and internal attack to be made. The position of Kowloon City would be no different and would la effect mean giving China extraditional rights in the Colony. This considerationi would have even more force if a Communist Government gained control of all China, and ve were obliged to recognise it as the legal Government of China.

(b) The G.0.C. has informed me that in plan which he has already made Kowloon City has been earmarked as a potential site for an anti-aircraft gun for perimeter defence of the airfield and flyingboat base at Kal Tak

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I regret I am unable to agree with comment at the foot of paragraph 3 of your savingram vnden reference that "it would be a simple matter in the event of anticipated military operations to expel Chinese officials

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