CO129-564-1 Sino-Japanese War- landing of foreign military aircraft in Hong Kong 8-10-1937 - 26-12-1937 — Page 27

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u

however, it appears that, since any attempt to fly the aircraft

away (for which permission would presumably be refused) would

constitute a fresh offence under the Order, its leaving Hong

Kong under its own power could in fact be prevented.

Removal

of the aircraft by other means than by air, under peacetime

conditions, would not seem to be preventable.

4.

With reference to paragraph 4 of the Foreign Office

letter, I am to say that in the opinion of the Council the

powers of the Governor under the existing Order to prohibit

the flight of military aircraft over the Colony, and to impose

penalties for entry without permission, should be sufficient

1 in the present circumstances. Should it be necessary at

some later date to seek additional powers it would be necessary

to amend the Order and this would be a matter for His Majesty's

Government in the United Kingdom.

5.

Office.

A copy of this letter is being sent to the Foreign

I am,

+

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

Fu J.M. SPAIGHT 1.M

maight