COMMUNIST SWING

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 28, 12 November 1949, Page 5

COMMUNIST SWING

STAFF OF CIVIL AIRLINES 1 HONG KONG, Nov. 10. The Chinese staff in Hong Kong of the two Nationalist air corporations which yesterday lost 11 aeroplanes through defections to-night announced their decision to transfer their allegiance to the Communists. Earier, the Hong Kong mapa&er of the China National Aviation Corporation and several of the company’s executives issued a statement pledging allegiance to the People's Government in Pekin. On the other hand, the executive vice-presidenti of the Central Air Transport Corporation to-day flew to Taipeh to consult General Chou Chinhou, Commander-in-Chief of the Nationalist Air Force. This company is reported to have paid off its American pilots and other American staff. Captain Jamee McDevitt, senior American pilot Avith the China National Aviation Corporation, said tonight that the American pilots of this company had unanimously decided to stay with it and accept any instructions which came from the management.

Spokesman for the lavo companies claimed that the decision to transfer allegiance Avas unanimous in both corporations, although it is understood that a number of Central Air Transport Corporation Chinese pilots have tendered their resignations.

The Hong Kong staff of each corporation totals about 1000.

The Nationalist official news agency, in a dispatch from Taipeh to-night, said that Nationalist Air Force aeroplanes Avere sent out to-day to search for the commercial aircraft that defected yesterday • to the Communists. The agency added that the news of the defection came as a complete surprise.