CO537-4847 — Page 16

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हिदि

III(d).

It is not quite clear what is in mind in this sub-paragraph. Presumably the second sentence of the Hong Kong Government's comments is intended to refer either to Communist aircraft during the period in which we continue to recognise the Nationalists, or to the odd remaining Nationalist aircraft which may continue in operation after we have recognised the Communists. Obviously reciprocal treatment with whatever Chinese Government has our recognition must be arranged, but I should not have thought we wished to gun for over-flying aircraft of the other side unless that other side had already taken action against British aircraft flying on their peaceful pursuits.

III(e).

This must, I think, await a decision on the policy to be followed towards the re-opening of services with Communist China in the interim period before recognition, and we would agree that precautions such as the Governor suggests should be taken if the decision reached is such as to permit flights into Communist territory.

III(f).

XIV(c).

We agree.

It is hardly likely that C.N. A. C. will be able to get any of their aircraft and staff away to Formosa since the staff in Họng Kong have apparently declared themselves pro-Communist and have now put their own guard over the aircraft. Indeed to be realistic it is difficult to see what can happen other than the aircraft remaining frozen in Hong Kong until such time as they can be decently handed over to a successor Government. It is always possible however that the K. M. T. might be able to round up fresh and loyal crews, and so long as their Government has our recognition, I do not see that we could raise any objection if they asked permission to fly their aircraft away. In those circumstances I should have thought we were pretty well bound to provide the sort of police protection which would probably be necessary in order to enable the Nationalists to get the aircraft away.

I have kept the copies of the memorandum for registration on Communications papers.

14th November, 1949.