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The co.riderat on of Police and of civil aviation demand foresight in the provision of spreo for a shore acrodromo and in my view the time is not far distant when the development of military aviation in Cling will derand a modification of "these proposals for an Air Base". It is necessary in any event, having regard to the dearth of suitable aerodrome sites in this Colony to be prepared for the possibilities to which the "Notes" refor.
7. The adequate defence of this Colony demands the continuous presence of aircraft: and proper provision even for seaplanes include space ashore. The Hermes has latterly utilised, as has been stated in paragraph 5 above, a srall portion at the west end of the Kai Tak reclamation: and this and the reclaimed ground in front of the sheds' must in the absence of any other suitable site in the Colony continue to be reserved against such developments in aviation in the near future as may require shore accommodation. On the advice of Captain Talbot, R.N,,
and Wing Commander Cull, R.A.F., a more suitable area within the Kai Tak boundaries has been selected for future developments: this area is bordered red on the plan which accompanies this despatch. Much of it is, however, as yet unreclaimed, the existing water-line being indicated in blue: but the quay wall shewn is practically complete across the whole front of the proposed reclamation forming the Kai Tak concession.
8. Recent experience with aircraft in the Colony has shown that they prove of great value in assisting the work of the Police, and I propose that a small squadron should be permanently stationed here for that purpose. The report of Captain C.P. Talbot, R.N., which forms enclosure 3 in this despatch sets out the functions of the squadron and suggests in full detail the type and number
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