CO129-553-5 Japanese activities in Macao and Canton 31-1-1935 - 22-11-1935 — Page 117

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and 50 miles respectively.

These sites are all near the

sea and offer facilities for the landing of stores and the

development of air bases. They are, however, all unprepared

Since these sites are and would take some time to develop.

all in Chinese territory, Japan would be unable to make

preparations without obtaining concessions from China, which,

There are,

in present circumstances, would seem unlikely.

therefore, no alternative places which Japan could easily

develop within a convenient range for attacks on Hong Kong by air, and if it is possible to sterilise her attempt to chtain a footing in Macao we shall increase considerably the security

of Hong Kong.

10.

Coastal or other fast motor boats operating from Macao

would also be a source of considerable danger to our Fleet

moored in Hong Kong. These boats can be assembled

unobtrusively and operated without all the previous

preparation required for an air base.

No anti-Coastal Motor

Boat boom is at present included in the Hong Kong defences

end it would be a costly addition.

The Western entrance of Hong Kong harbour is over two

miles wide and the waters to Macao, 40 miles distant, are

comparatively sheltered.

Economic Considerations.

11. Macao could not replace Hong Kong as a principal deen

sea port, but the harbour could, with some dredging, be made fit to take ships up to 5,000 tons, which would probably

lead to the diversion from Hong Kong of much coastal Japanese

and other shipping. Furthermore, recently reclaimed areas

are available for an aerodrome which might be used in

furtherance of Japanese, and to the prejudice of British,

commercial aviation interests.

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