FO371-46258 — Page 54

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SECRET CYPHER TELEGRAM

Lowly 18

WARNING This message must be thoroughly paraphrased if its text is to be published or communicated outside British or American Services or Departments. If re-transmitted unparaphrased other than through the Cabinet Office, the originator must mark - the message "to be sent in One-Time Pad.”

IMMEDIATE

From : C-in-C. Hong Kong.

Το

Info

:

: Cabinet Offices.

S.A.C.S.E.A.

BF NOV 1943

1945

IZ 10172.

TOO 3106342.

TOR 312305Z.

X COS B.

1.

For Chiefs of Staff.

31st October, 1945.

F9281/147/10

Your 6488 TOO. 291450 Octobér.

It is presumed that requirements of first class airfield for civilian purposes as well as defence are fully appreciated.

2.

Canton has undoubted ambition and some claim to become main civil airbase in this area, and appears to be making bid for lion's share of large scale international traffic which seems certain to develop. Hong Kong may be relegated permanently to second place unless we act quickly to provide modern airport facilities for construction of which presence of expert R. A. F. team presents unrivalled and providential opportunity.

3.

I most strongly urge consideration of the long term benefits likely to accrue to Hong Kong and the Empire from seizing chance now presented which may never recur of equipping colony swiftly and economically to take its place as leading modern civil airport of South China Region.

Circulation

Defence Office.

Foreign Office.

First Sea Lord.

C.6.Tels

A.M.C.S.(C).

C.C.O.

S. of S. Dominions.

S. of S. Colonies. S. of S. India.

M.W.T.

TOO.310634Z.

ቃን

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