CO129-571-15 Sino-Japanese War- manufacture and import of aircraft to China 18-1-1938 - 5-1-1939 — Page 193

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3.

objective for their air attacks, i.e. the

factory. This will also increase the danger to

(i) the Line of communication to the Right Sector of the Mainland defence line and (ii) the Mainland Magazine which is to be built just

North of the aerodrome on the Customs Pass Road.

In a word, therefore, the principal cause of the former objections to the proposal was the location of the

factory.

It now transpires

-

and this information has

that the site of the factory

only just been received by me

is in the MA TAU KOK area which is over a mile from the

R.A.F. establishment and has no direct access to the aerodrome.

Whereas by its location most of the objections.

given in paragraph 2 no longer apply with equal force the

question of sabotage and the importance of this factory

as a military objective still remain, although in lesser

degree. In the latter connection, however, the close

proximity of the proposed site to the Military Ordnance and

Medical Depot at MA TAU KOK constitutes an added danger

which deserves consideration.

4. I am always prepared to give the fullest

consideration to any proposals which bring advantages or

profit to the Colony, but in this case I still feel that

it would be better to oppose the proposal. A factory further

from the congested areas would probably not meet with any

military objectio.. so long as it was clear of any defence works.

His Excellency,

I have the honour to be,

Your Excellency's obedient servant.

(sd) A. 7. Bartholomew.

Major-General,

Commanding, The British Troops in China.

The Governor and Commander-in-Chief,

Hng Kong.