Foreign Office
During the Recess of Parliament, we have been unable to offer a detailed report on the bulky returns respecting the disposal of Lands at Hong Kong supplied in Sir Henry Pottinger's Despatch No. 493 of the 22nd of January last. We now propose to submit such remarks as have occurred to us on an examination of that despatch; and their observations on the Governor's subsequent Despatches, now referred to us, respecting the remonstrance of the Landholders against the limit placed to the duration of their Leases.
4th May
Numerous Lands on the site of the proposed town, as Lord Stanley is aware, were disposed of subject to Her Majesty's Pleasure, by Captain Elliot and by Mr. Johnston while acting as Governors of Hong Kong. In our report of the 9th December 1843, we analyzed such information as was then received respecting these different Lands; and we came to the conclusion that the Marine Lots might be confirmed for 75 years at the rates of annual payment originally fixed on their grant.