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9
Enclosure No. 3.
PART I---Aircraft for Police Purposes.
I is considered that aircraft would be useful for the following functions:-
(a.) To observe the Frontier and deal, by machine gun or bomb, with any attacks
on our pickets.
(b) To pursue and attack any marauding parties.
(c) To pursue and attack any pirates.
(d) In the event of civil disturbances, to observe and report any large collection of natives, and, if necessary, to disperse them with bombs of mild tear (?) gas.
(e) Transporting a Police Officer or other official to outlying islands, e.g.,
Lantao, at high speed.
(f.) Keeping a good look out for any particular ship.
(g) Exercise moral effect.
2. Type of machines required.
In view of the nature of the country, seaplanes are advisable.
It is thought that the most suitable machine would be two-seaters, 200 to 250 h.p., fitted to carry light bombs, 2 machine guns (one fixed and one Lewis gun), and preferably W/T; the latter would render a shore set desirable also. (These machines would be of smaller dimensions and performance than the Fairey 111D seaplanes carried by H.M.S." Hermes.")
3. Numbers required.
Four machines are suggested.
This number would allow for one, and probably two, being always ready for service.
4. Base.
The Kai Tak reclamation would be very suitable. Requirements would be--
Hangar for four machines.
Workshop.
2-ton crane on seawall.
Wooden floats moored to seawall, under crane.
(The combination of crane and floats would render a slipway unnecessary.)
5. Personnel suggested.
3 Pilots.
2 Wireless Operators and Machine Gunners.
14 Mechanics.
10 Unskilled Chinese.
It might be possible to supply the Pilots and W/T Operators from the local Police Force, with little, or no, addition to present numbers.
8. Approximate Cost.
Capital Expenditure.
£
Erection of hangar, machinery, &c. 4 Seaplanes, with W.T. guns, &c.
4,000
12,500
16,500
or $141,429 at 2s. 4d.*
*Calculated to the nearest dollar.
Annual Charges.
3 Pilots at £950
2 W.T. Operators at £500
2,550
1,000
12 Mechanics at £260
3,120
2 Supervisors at £415
830
10 Chinese (unskilled) at $15 a month
200
Petrol at 8s. per gallon for 8 hours' flying per week
940
Lubricating Oil
60
Ammunition, &c.
50
Consumption of Spare Parts
1,000
Maintenance of Base ...
100
Depreciation of Machines (life about 4 years)
3,000
12,850
or $110,143 at 2s. 4d *
*Calculated to the nearest dollar.
Notes in explanation of above.
(1.) Civilian pilots in England receive about £850 a year, and they could probably be obtained for less.
It might be possible to train some officers of the local Police Force, who could then receive their substantive pay, plus flying pay.
(2.) English civilian mechanics receive about £5 a week; it should be possible to train Chinese, who would probably require less.
(3.) Size of hangar: 60' long x 32′ wide x 13' to 14' inside. Sliding doors are required.
(4.) Workshop: 50' x 20', to be built as annexe to hangar, com- prising
Fitting shop: 20' x 20'; 4" lathe and small sensitive drill. Carpenters' shop: 20' x 20'; Circular saw and grindstone. Coppersmiths' shop: 10' x 20'; Brazing fire.
7. The above estimate is approximate only, but probably within 30 per cent. of the actual figure.
No doubt the Air Ministry, if asked, would be pleased to recommend a type of machine, and to furnish all particulars as to cost of purchase, maintenance and upkeep.
C. P. TALBOT, Captain.
Sir,
(Signed)
APPENDIX III.
Secretary of State for the Colonies to Governor, Hong Kong.
June 23, 1926. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Secret despatch* of the 17th February, regarding the defence of Hong Kong against oversea attack, and of your Secret despatch of the 18th February, relating to the aerial defence of the Colony and the provision of a site for an aerodrome.
2. The whole question of the defence of Hong Kong is being examined in the first instance by a Sub-Committee of the Chiefs of Staffs of the three Services, and your despatches have been referred to the Committee for its consideration.
3. I understand that, so far as the proposals for an Air Force are concerned, the view expressed in the joint memorandum which you enclosed in your despatch of the 17th February as to the effect of the Washington Treaty is open to question, and that a proposal will shortly be made to the Committee of Imperial Defence that the interested Governments should be invited to a conference with a view to reaching agreed conclusions as to the interpretation of Article 19 of the Treaty. Pending the results of such a conference, it would not appear that the proposals for the creation of an Air Force or for the purchase of land for an aerodrome can usefully be pursued.
I have, &c. (Signed) L. S. AMERY.
• Not reproduced.
+
† Appendix II.
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