ENCLOSURE NO.
PART
AIRCRAFT FOR POLICE PURPOSES
416
r
It 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 (2) gas:
(e) Transporting a Police Officer or other official to outlying islands, e.g. LANTAO, at high speed.
(f) Keeping a good lokk 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 Kal 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 Gummers. 14 Mechanics.
10 Unskilled Chinese,
It might be possible to supply the Filots and W/T Operators from the local Police Force, with little, or no, addition to present mumbers.
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