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3. If on communication with the War department, your Lordship and the Secretary of State for War - with a full knowledge of the case - decide that the Colony should forego the advantages proposed by erecting the pier, I shall be instructed accordingly - but till then I think it inexpedient to allow such a precedent as would be established by my yielding to a demand made under the circumstances above detailed, and though I should have preferred awaiting your Lordship's permission, I shall now direct payment of the money so as to secure the right, whilst I leave quite right with the final settlement of the question to superior authority.
9. In the meantime the Royal Hong Kong Regatta Club will erect their boat house on the site given them, as tenants at will - and I presume in no case would access to that site be refused to the Gentlemen of Hunt Club...
I have the honour to be,
Your Lordship's most obedient Servant,
John Bowring
Governor.
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