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before the Surveyor General, who is absent on a few days leave. I am sorry without yet being able to say that I have any official instructions to guide me on the appointment of ground for Military purposes in Kowloon, and must therefore act in accordance with the last Despatch on the subject from this office to the Colonial Office, with whom the final decision must rest.
Governor Sir A. Robinson, in addressing me shortly before his leaving for England, observes "I shall under any circumstances defer giving a final reply to any proposal I may receive from the War Department until I have had an opportunity of personally conferring with you." I have received no official intimation of the result of that personal conference, but I have reason to believe that as late as two months ago, in May last, or only shortly before, General Sir John Burgoyne and Sir H. Robinson had, by order, been in communication, and I therefore hope that before long the matter will be concluded.
I think it advisable until the receipt of the Despatch intimating such conclusion that no steps be taken with reference to the ground, and I do this with much regret.
As ...