CO129-513-9 Proposals for civil and commercial aviation in Hong Kong- requests for air-routes between Hong Kong... 13-11-1928 - 30-9-1929 — Page 122

No 547

Sir,

62751/27

119

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,

HONGKONG. 4th December, 1928.

topy

10m

52911/28

I have the honour to enclose copy of a letter

addressed to the Federation of British Industries by Mr. G. W. Sewell the local representative in Hong Kong.

There is considerable activity in South China

in the matter of aviation and as I pointed out in my telegram of 7th November last I cannot but feel that foreign manufact- urers are getting ahead of British manufacturers in the South China market. We have seen in the motor car trade how difficult it is to oust the American machine once it has obtained a firm hold in a foreign or colonial market and it looks somewhat as though the British manufacturers will have the same experience in the aeroplane trade in South China unless they rouse themselves in time to meet the active competition of the American and French manufacturers. Government as you know has offered, subject to your approval, to subsidize a British commercial aviation company if one can be successfully started. Apart from that I do not think it can do more than bring the position to your notice for the information of British aircraft manufacturers.

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

This

Your most obedient humble servant,

w.d. Sou thosh

Officer Administering the Government.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL L.C.M.S. AMERY, M.P.,

&C..

&C.,

&C.