Abstract: The file is concerned with a proposal to link Imperial Airways Services and those of the Eurasia Aviation Corporation and/or China National Airways at the Burma-Chinese frontier, in consideration of establishing a more direct link to Hong Kong. The file therefore contains occasional references to political developments within China, and her diplomatic relations with Japan. The file also includes correspondence regarding an aviation agreement signed between France and Siam [Thailand], and related agreements between the British and Siamese Governments.More direct routes are also explored in the file, in particular a route via the Southern Shan States and French Indo-China. A report by Frederick Tymms, Director of Civil Aviation in India, on a reconnaissance flight between 25 and 26 April 1937 has been included: see folios 165-168. For the conclusions of the survey: see folios 190-192. An appended report on the landing ground at Loikaw can be found on folios 169-171. Three maps accompany the report: see folios 172-173 and 193.For further information a copy of a report by Georges Winckler of an exhibition through Laos and Upper Burma between 8 and 17 February 1936 has also been filed: see folios 174-186. The purpose of Winckler's exhibition was to explore the possibilities of a direct route between France and French Indo-China [Vietnam].An additional sketch map outlining possible overland routes between Burma and Hong Kong can be found on folio 260.The main correspondents are officials of the Air Ministry, the Foreign Office, and the India Office. A significant amount of correspondence with the Government of India – Department of External Affairs and the Department of Industries and Labour – and correspondence with numerous British representatives across Burma, China, and Siam, have also been included.The French language content consists of a single letter (folios 253-254) from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs dated 10 March 1936.The file includes three dividers (folios 2, 95, and 131) which gives a list of correspondence references contained in that section of the file by year.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 364; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. A previous foliation sequence, which is present between ff 4-94 and is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: The file contains correspondence regarding a request from the Governor of Yunnan Province to transport arms, ammunition and planes to China via Burma [Myanmar]. The materials consisted of British surplus war stock, and were supplied by Arnhold & Company Limited. The correspondence is between Arnhold & Company and the Board of Trade Department of Overseas Trade, regarding the route to be taken and arrangements for transport and an escort. There is also correspondence discussing the deal, and the import duty on silver bullion imposed by the Government of India, conducted between the following: the India Office Political Department; HM Consul-General at Yunnanfu (Henry Forster Handley-Derry); the Foreign Office; HM Commercial Councillor at Shanghai (Louis Beale); and the Government of India Foreign and Political Department.A list of the materials, including prices, can be found at folios 11-15.The file includes a divider which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. This is placed at the end of the correspondence (folio 1).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 83; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: The file predominantly consists of telegrams and cypher messages regarding the transit of French military aircraft across India and Burma while en-route to Indochina. The messages contain requests for clearance, details of the planes in transit, their flight schedules, and any restrictions imposed by local authorities. A significant number are concerned with French air ambulances.There is also some correspondence between the Burma Office and the Governor of Burma related to Burmese opposition to French military action in Indochina, and the difficulties this places the Government of Burma in granting authorisation for transit flights of French aircraft.The main correspondents in the file are as follows: the Air Attaché to Paris, the Air Ministry, Air Headquarters (India), and Air Headquarters (Burma).The file includes a divider which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the rear to the front of the file.
Abstract: The file contains papers related to negotiations for air transit rights for United States military aircraft through India and Burma. The United States Army Air Force (USAAF) had enjoyed transit rights for its aircraft for the duration of the Second World War (1939-1945), and desired to continue these rights for the duration of the military occupations of Germany and Japan. It contains aide memoires, correspondence, memoranda, and notes related to parallel negotiations between the Unites States and the governments of India and the United Kingdom (UK).Two copies of a report –JP (46) 142 (Final)– on these proposals prepared by the Joint Planning Staff, a subcommittee of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, can be found on folios 123-135 and 137-145. They include appended maps of the route: see folios 134 and 145. A few preliminary drafts of the report can also be found within the file.Papers relating to customs, health, and passport examination of Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft in India can be found on folios 27-39.Towards the front of the file are a small number of papers regarding the need for the UK to enter into negotiations with the newly independent dominions of India and Pakistan in order to ensure continued air transit rights for British military aircraft.The main correspondents in the file are as follows: officials of the Burma Office (A F Morley, and Leonard Brian Walsh-Atkins) officials of the Cabinet Office (Sir Leslie Chasemore Hollis and Lieutenant-Colonel T Haddon), officials of the Foreign Office, officials of the India Office, representatives of the External Affairs Department of the Government of India, and representatives of the United States in both London and New Delhi (including Waldermar John Gallman). The file also contains a number of telegrams sent to/from the Governor of Burma and the Viceroy of India.The file includes a divider which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 304; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: The file contains correspondence, memoranda, maps, and other papers relating to Middle Eastern affairs and a few other miscellaneous matters. The majority of the file concerns discussions of and proposals for the post-war settlement of Near Eastern territories, including Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, and the Arabian Peninsula. The basis of these discussions was the Sykes-Picot agreement of 1916.Other matters covered by the papers include events in Siam [Thailand] and Burmah [Myanmar] and the colonial rivalry in the region between France and Britain, the Baghdad Railway, and relations with Ibn Saud in Arabia, including a report on the 1917-18 mission to Najd by Harry St John Philby (folios 67-98).Folios 99-110 are six maps with accompanying notes that show the various proposed territorial settlements and spheres of influence in the Near East and one showing Britain's global colonial possessions.Memoranda and correspondence comes from officials at the Foreign Office and India Office. Other correspondents include French and Italian government officials.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front of the envelope with 1, and terminates at the inside back last page with 110, these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.