CO129-502-4 Acquisition of Kai Tak for an aerodrome- provision of funds 11-1-1927 - 12-5-1927 — Page 69

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Department of State,

Washington.

14th March 1927.

69

Excellency:

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of

your note No. 94 of February 3, 1927, informing the

Department that in view of the situation in China and

of the possible danger of an attack on Hongkong, the

British Government is purchasing land for the immediate

establishment of an aerodrome on the main territory, and

that in the opinion of your Government these preparations

cannot be regarded as an infringement of the Washington

Naval Treaty. You add that in order, however, to avoid

any possibility of its attitude being misconstrued, the

British Government desires that the Powers that are

parties to Article 19 of the Treaty of Washington should

be notified of the proposed establishment of the

aerodrome mentioned.

In reply I have the honor to say that due note has

been taken of the information conveyed in your note.

Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my

highest consideration.

For the Secretary of State.

(Sgd.) Joseph C. Grew.

His Excellency

The Right Honourable

Sir Esme Howard, G.C.M.G., K.C.B., C.V.O.,

Ambassador of Great Britain.