Our reference: Your reference:
CONCONELDENTIAL,
Fron: J. Dromgoole, AUS(GS)
Main Building, Whitehall, LONDON SWIA 2H5 Telephone: Direct Dialling) 01-216-6476
AU3 (GS) 55/78 (D/DS6/7/16/13/3jchboard) 01-218 9000
34 Sary 1978
3
Discursel P.A
Jed
HKK 365 Quetult
KE LA F 13 FEB:978
Lieutenant-General Sir John Arailko,1625; Abad, 52
Commander British Forces
Hong Kong BFPO 1
Dear John.
MDCX
PA
see abave
mmpson
I do not Like this at all. Let- us discuss
During my visit to Hong Kong in the Autumn to negotiate
the Lyemun/Shamshuipo release and reprovision, I told you be e jas
of
my concern over further requests for the release of land in the colony held by MOD. Though I agree with the view that the scope for further release is likely to be very limited, land values in Hong Kong are such that every release - whether it arises because the land is genuinely surplus at the outset or, like Lyemun, is a case where the Governor is able to use special pleading - is not only bound to bring significant benefit to the Hong Kong Government, but also to involve issues which relate to the DCA either directly or indirectly.
2.
to}??
We must bear the benefits of any transfers in mind in any future negotiations with them. Thus, although hitherto the Commander British Forces has had the authority to sanction the release of land which is indisputably surplus to the requirements of the garrison, henceforth all requests for release will be referred to the Ministry of Defence. DAQ will be the appropriate entry point for such requests; though such a procedure incurs the risk that it may impose delay, provided that the relevant factors are adequately set out by your staff (and, of course, the Regional Estate Surveyor PSA) the penalty should be slight, and the procedure will be to the ultimate advantage of the Hong Kong garrison.
Distribution:
PS/Minister of State MA/QMG AUS(L) DMO
DAQ
SECCOS
Head of DS6
Head of DS20
Head of Defence Lands
Head of GF3
Mr. Appleton (PSA) Mr. Stewart (FCO)
Yours Sine
Sincerely-
* CONFIDENTIAL
Folyou