I am enclosing a letter dated January 8th, from the United Kingdom High Commissioner, concerning the proposal that the Canadian Government should participate in forming a Route Squadron made up of Air Forces from the Commonwealth countries. I should be glad to have your views on this proposal.

N. A. ROBERTSON

[PIECE JOINTE/ENCLOSURE]

Le haut commissaire de Grande Bretagne au sous secrétaire d'état
aux Affaires extérieures
High Commissioner of Great Britain to Under Secretary of State
for External Affairs

1085/10

Ottawa, January 8, 1946

Dear Mr. Robertson,

With a view to extending the close co operation between the Air Forces of the British Commonwealth, the United Kingdom authorities have been considering the possibility of forming a Route Squadron, composed of personnel from the Air Forces of the Commonwealth countries. I have been asked to enquire if the Canadian authorities would be prepared to participate in such a scheme.

It is felt that the formation of such a squadron would follow appropriately upon the establishment of the Central Flying School and Air Navigation School in the field of air transport, i.e. movement and supply by air of forces of all three arms and flight delivery of aircraft from production to any point in an emergency, it is considered particularly desirable that a common technique should be developed.

The purpose of the Squadron, which would be equipped with the latest and best types of transport aircraft would be:

To provide for the Air Forces of all the Commonwealth countries aircrew with experience of flying difficulties in all parts of the world. These airmen would form a nucleus of highly trained aircrews whose skill and knowledge would be invaluable.

To flight test aircraft in all conditions of weather and climate and thus improve design and efficiency of British military aircraft.

To provide air transport for personnel of military services travelling between various parts of the Commonwealth and attending various specialist courses which will be necessary to enable service personnel to keep abreast of scientific development.

Before giving further examination to this proposal the United Kingdom authorities would be glad to know whether it commends itself to the Canadian authorities and whether they would be willing to participate in such a joint undertaking and to bear a share of the cost. Questions of the location of the squadron, the routes to be operated and the share of cost to be borne by each country would be discussed at a later stage if it is agreed that the proposal should be further examined.

Yours sincerely,
MALCOLM MACDONALD

¹ La note suivante était écrite sur cette lettre:
¹ The following note was written on the letter:
Mr. Robertson
This will need to be looked into very carefully before any commitment made. W. L. M[ACKENZIE] Kitro] 22 1 46