year by year without opposition. On the contrary, the Chinese themselves are constructing new lines as for instance the Peking-Kalgan-Tatungfu-Suiyan Railway. The day for aviation in China will most assuredly come, and the longer it is postponed, the better for us; it is to be hoped that we shall have a hand in it later on. (“Der Luftweg” (The Air-way) Berlin) 20 APRIL 1922 Letter from Wai Chiao Pu to British Minister. Sir I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency’s letter of April 3rd last stating that the distinguished British Aviator Sir Ross Smith proposed to start about the middle of the month on an attempt to fly round the world, arriving in Hong Kong about May 12th and at Foochow and Shanghai about May 15th and requesting that the Chinese Government might be moved to render all necessary assistance to the aviator on his arrival in China. This Ministry addressed a letter accordingly to the Aeronautical Department and has now received the following reply. “In view of the British Minister’s letter stating that the British Aviator in question will on his proposed visit to China touch at Foochow, Shanghai etc., he will as a special concession be allowed to do so, and the Ministries and Department concerned have held a meeting to discuss the matter, with the result that a scheme in 9 Articles has been drawn up to govern the case of the flight over Chinese territory by British aeroplanes permitted in this instance. It is requested that a letter be addressed to the British Minister moving him to direct that the scheme be complied with and making precise enquiries for information and guidance on the questions raised in the Article.” I have the honour accordingly to enclose herewith copy of the abovementioned Scheme in 9 Articles, and to request that Your Excellency will direct that it be complied with and favour me with a reply for the guidance of the Aeronautical Department in their preparations for the event. (SEAL OF THE WAI CHIAO PU) Scheme governing special permission for British aeroplanes to fly over Chinese territory on particular occasion. The British aeroplane shall fly over Chinese territory on this occasion only after formal notice in advance by the British Minister and the granting by the Chinese Government of special permission. They shall be subject to examination by the officer, or officers, appointed for the purpose by the
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