CO129-579-5 Sino-Japanese War- Japanese aircraft- Hong Kong air space and other activities 31-1-1939 - 5-8-1939 — Page 103

COPY.

IMPERIAL AIRWAYS LTD.

GM2/6590.

103

Airway Terminus,

Victoria Station, London, S.W.1.

6th February, 1939.

Dear Burkett,

We cabled Hongkong on Saturday warning them to avoid flying within 15 nautical miles of Wai Chao Island.

We have had a reply from them this morning reading

as follows:

"Referring to your telegram of 4th Japanese Consul requests us to pass Wai Chao not nearer than 15 miles and maximum altitude 1500 feet. Have replied will pass 20 miles south but altitude entirely discretion Captain."

The trouble about the avoidance of this island is that it is one of the main land falls used by our Captains on the Tonking Gulf crossing and, although they will no doubt do their best to keep outside the prescribed limit, you will appreciate that this is going to add to their navigating difficulties.

I have written to them explaining that official protests to the Japanese attitude are being made through diplomatic channels.

Yours sincerely,

W. W. Burkett, 0.B.E.,

Air Ministry:

Ariel House, Strand, W.c.2.

(Sga) B. W. Galpin.