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of British types also.
(d) Engage a sufficient number of trained engineers
to carry out the supervisory work.
(e) Engage all the labour required at short notice.
(f) Complete and tender the aircraft manufactured
in a shorter time than could be accomplished by factories in this country or in America.
(g) Supply such aircraft to the specification of
the purchaser at a price fully competitive with factories situated in any other countries.
I understand the above information was contained in some detail in despatches sent home from time to time by H.E. The Governor of Hongkong, but that the views of H.M.Government until recently were that any such enterprise, even if the sponsors entered into an undertaking to supply no military aircraft to the Chinese Government, might be regarded by the Japanese Government, solely due to the proximity of the proposed factory to Chinese territory, in the light of a provocative act.
I further understand that H.M.Government have enquired whether such a factory could not be erected and operated in Burma. The present sponsors of the project could not consider this however. Apart from the fact that they could not so readily find the necessary capital in that field, there is not in Burma the same available, suitable and economic supply of labour as exists in Hongkong. The labour question, in fact, is the crux of the situation.
When I telephoned on the 14th, it was on receipt of information that H.E. The Governor of Hongkong had sent, or was shortly about to send, a further despatch urging a reconsideration of H.M.Government's attitude toward the scheme. When Air-Marshal Sir Edward Ellington made his tour of Far Eastern Aircraft defences slightly over a year ago, I understand he was consulted in the matter and that from the point of view of the British Air Force he would have been in favour of such additional source of aircraft supply.
Inasmuch as Mr. G.E.J. Gent may not be back from Ceylon
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.