^ST.XRN PAG I PIG. S K 0 R | T. Colonial Office, Downing street, ^ November, 1958 :sir, I have the honour to refer to my secret telegram No.108 of the 31et of October regarding the proposed survey and demarcation of landing areas on the Trans-Pacific route, and to transmit to you, for your information, the accoupanylng copies of telegraphic correspondence with the Government of New Zealand on this subject. 2m I take this opportunity to inform you that 81r Arthur Richards' secret despatch of the 13th of June was considered by the Committee of Imperial Defence who expressed the view that it was not necessary to delay the development of the four suggested strategic air routes in the Pacific on the ground that additional defences might be required for the protection of the aerodromeB» The development of these routes for use by land aircraft, as opposed to seaplanes, is necessary because the only aircraft at present available in New Zealand for operating on these routes in time of war are land machines. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient, humble servant. (Sgd.) MALCOLM MeoDONALD HIGH COWilSSIONKR SIR HARRY LUKifi, C.M.G., e tc •, e tc •, etc