CO129-497 - Public Offices - 1926 — Page 304

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Air Forces and the author of the memorandum goes 80 far as to state definitely in his conclusions that the Washington Agreement does not prevent the establishment of an Air base in the Colony. It seems pretty clear that this view will not be accepted either by the F.0. or indeed by the Service Departments here and until the position has been thrashed out with the other Governments no Air development at Hong Kong will be possible except in the direction of commercial or volunteer services.

hot only

It appears from the annexed papers that (a) the C.I.D. is about to consider once again the effect of Article 19 of the Washington Treaty and a proposal that

the interested Powers should be invited to a conference, but also (b) that the whole question of the defence of Hong Kong (which incidentally includes the suggested establishment of an aerodrome) is to be examined in the first place by a sub-committee of the staffs of the three Services, see W.0.letter in 7237. These two Committees will doubtless proceed independently of each other, although the latter Committee will no doubt be kept informed of developments in the direction of a conference between the Governments.

The Governor states that copies of the joint memorandum on defence are being forwarded by the Naval Commander in Chief and the G.0.C.Troops to the Admiralty and War Office respectively with a view to the matter being brought before the C.I.D., and he has asked that we should also take steps to communicate his despatch to the Committee.

It seems clear that it would be best if in the first instance the despatches

both

both on the subject of the aerodrome and that on the subject of defence génerally should be referred to the Chiefs of Staff Sub-Committee which is to consider the whole problem of the defence of Hong

Kong (before any reference is made to the C.I.D.)

It would be as well, however, that the C.I.D. should know that Hong Kong is keen on the provision of aircraft in order that a firmer line may be taken

if possible

in the forthcoming negotiations. The Service representatives will doubtless make this clear and the Secretary of State, or in his absence the representative of the Colonial Office, can take the

explain matters opportunity to mibuiaren at the meeting.

Subject therefore to the views of Major Clemens it would seem sufficient to send (a) a copy

of 6630 (without enclosures) and 6631 with enclosure 3

to Admiralty, War Office and Air Ministry Secret, saying that it is understood that in accordance with the decision of the 27th Meeting of the Chiefs of Staff Sub-Committee the whole question of the defence of Hong Kong will be examined in the first place by a Sub-Committee of the Staffs of the three Services, and the Secretary of State would be glad if the Committee would consider the Governor's despatches at the same time; add that it is understood that so far as the proposals for an Air Force are concerned the view expressed in the joint memorandum as to the effect of the Washington Treaty is open to question and that a proposal will shortly be made to the C.I.D. that the interested Gpvernments should be invited to

a conference with a view to reaching agreed conclusions

BLA

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