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NO DISTRIBUTION.
Mr. Howe (Nanking),
23rd October, 1937.
D.
W/T
23rd October, 1937.
R. 4.00 .m.
23rd October, 1937.
No. 602.
Addressed to Hongkong Fo. 83 October 22nd.
Your telegram No. 169 to Colonial Office.
Malley has asked me informally to ascertain position of individual assembly of an Italian S 81 aeroplane ordered by Aeronautical Commission which had arrived in parts at Kai tak aerodrome by September 21st last. He states that when in
Hongkong he was given to understand unofficially that no
objection would be raised to it being assembled at the aerodrome
and subsequently flown into China. Since his return to Nanking nothing has been heard of this acroplane. I should be grateful
to learn what reply I should return.
Meanwhile I am aware from [2 grps. undoc.] that Chinese Government are becoming increasingly anxious over the situation created by Japanese naval and air action in the neighbourhood of Canton and on Canton-Hankow railway which is seriously interfering with importation of war materials. Although never encouraged to do so by this Embassy they still hope that the Government of Hongkong will turn a blind eye to assembly on Hongkong territory of aeroplanes destined for military use in
China particularly with regard to a consignment of Gloster Gladiator machines now on their way to Hongkong. Malley informs me that Aeronautical Commission are willing that any machines ordered by them should be flown into China without
armaments
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