Lot# 9034

airmail cover sent from Foochow, Fukien to Nibong Tebal, Province Wellesley, Malaya, franked with twelve R series issues totaling 9,000 yuan (RMB), tied by “Foochow 50.9.14” cds. The mail was routed via Hong Kong and carried onward to Malaya by British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) on its Manila-Singapore route. This cover was posted during the Fifth Postal Tariff Period (16 August - 31 October 1950) under the unified RMB postal system. At that time, the airmail surcharge for Asian destinations was reduced from 7,200 yuan to 6,500 yuan per 10 grams, while the international surface letter rate for the first 20 grams remained at 2,500 yuan, resulting in a correct total postage of 9,000 yuan. The franking and calculation are completely accurate, with clear postal markings and excellent preservation. It represents a typical and correct example of early PRC airmail to Southeast Asia, demonstrating the practical implementation of the newly adjusted RMB postal rates. This cover also highlights the vital role of Hong Kong as an international postal transit hub during the early years of the People’s Republic of China. A scarce and historically important postal history item, it offers valuable insight into the development of early PRC airmail connections with Southeast Asia, highly suitable for both research and exhibition.