CO129-495 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [11-12] — Page 305

T

of a landing ground for aireraft at Hong Kong.

Since the question was considered in July 1925 (C.1.D. Paper 248-0) the position has changed and subsequent

events, particularly the state of China and the Cantonese

disturbances, have demonstrated the desirability of

establishing at Hong Kong an aerodrome which would be

available for both civil and military purposes.

31917/2

22561

In accordance with the conclusion reached at the

218th Meeting of the C.I.D. the financial aspecte affecting the establishment of the aerodrome are being investigated.

As it now appears possible that no question may be

raised as to the right of the Japanese Government to move an

air unit to Formosa, the Council would be glad to be informed

whether Sir Austen Chamberlain still considers it desirable

to proceed with the proposal contained in paragraph 4 of

Foreign Office letter of the 18th February 1926, 7.810/11/10

that the question of the working of Article 19 of the Washington

Agreement should be discussed between the three Powers concerned.

As Sir Austen Chamberlain is aware, the Council are

anxious to discuss with the Treasury the question of the

acquisition of the site for an aerodrome at Hong Kong but feel

unable to make any definite proposals whilst the possibility

of negotiations with the Japanese and United States Govern-

ments remains open, and would therefore be grateful if they

could be informed of 3ir Austen Chamberlain's viewa na early

as possible.

Copies of this letter have been sent to the Colonial

Office, Admiralty. War Office and Committee of Imperial Defence.

296

Colonial Office

I am

Bir,

Your obedient Servant,

(Sgd.) J. A. WEBSTER.