FO371-46259 — Page 81

Ref: 8/018.

Dear General Chow,

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23rd November, 1945.

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Detention of RA F. Sunderland Flying Boat

at Sama, Hainan Island

I am directed to refer to the detention of an R. A.F. Sunderland flying boat at Sama, Hainan from 6th to 13th November, 1945.

2.

The aircraft, a Sunderland of No. 209 Squadron R. A. F. when in transi from Singapore to Hongkong encountered adverse weather conditions and was forced to alight at the Seaplane Base, Sama, owing to shortage of fuel. aircraft was thereupon placed under an armed guard by the local Chinese Commander and the eight passengers were transferred ashore and kept under' restraint.

3.

Your attention was at once drawn to the occurrence and your assuran received that orders would be issued for the immediate release of the aircr but it was only after a lapse of seven days that the aircraft was refuelled and permitted to proceed. I should point out that the aircraft was unarme and engaged solely on transit duties.

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It has been further reported that the guard placed on this Royal Ai Force aircraft included Japanese troops and furthermore that during the period of the detention of the aircraft another Allied aircraft, an America flying boat, alighted at Sama and was permitted to proceed without any restraint or hindrance.

5.

The above circumstances were reported by the Commander-in-Chief, Hongkong and a serious view is taken of them by Air Ministry and Foreign Office.

I have therefore been directed to protest most strongly concernin the treatment accorded to the flying boat, its crew and passengers on this occasion.

6.

In the first place, I have to point out that the aircraft was force to alight owing to adverse weather conditions and was therefore entitled to the assistance and hospitality accorded by International practice to an air craft of another nation forced to land through stress of circumstances,

7. Secondly, I have to draw your attention to the indignity to which members of the Royal Air Force were subjected in an Allied country by havin their aircraft placed under a guard which included members of the forces of defeated enemy.

8.

Thirdly, I have to draw attention to the discrimination practiced against this Royal Air Force aircraft inasmuch as while it was detained und guard an aircraft of another Allied Nation was freely permitted to alight a take off again.

9.

I shall be grateful for your assurance that steps will now be taken to ensure that there is no recurrence of incidents of this unfortunate natu and that instructions will be issued to Commanders of Chinese Air Force Stations in this vicinity, and particularly at Sama, that emergency landing facilities are to be given to aircraft of the Royal Air Force should they ever be required.

Yours sincerely,

(SGD.) G. Bartholomew,

Air Commodore,

Air Attache.

General C. J. Chow, C.B.E.,

Director,

Commission on Aeronautical Affairs,

Chungzing.

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