The United States, Britain and the CAT Controversy

Starting in 1949, the USA and communist China engaged in a struggle over ownership of 70 aircraft claimed by the American company, Civil Air Transport (CAT). Because the planes were stationed in Hong Kong, it was up to Great Britain to determine ownership. The British subsequently found themselves forced to choose between their American ally and a China that offered a potential threat to their colony. London eventually decided in favour of Washington, but only after a nearly three-year-long legal and diplomatic struggle.