also by reason of the fact that we work one of the
Hongkong Government Cables, and have offered in
addition to further assist the signalling systém at
less than the actual cost of so doing that the Company
was justified in asking the Government of Hongkong
to allot the site on the most favorable terms possible
In fact when the Company works the signalling service,
as proposed, we shall operate four lines for the Govern-
-ment against seven for ourselves, thus making the
Office a semi-Government building.
As Your Lordship is aware, the Government
www
of the Straits Settlements had already recognised the
principle above referred to even before the negotiations
for the strategic line were begun, by granting to the
Company a site of reclaimed land without competition
and at practically cost price. The Australasian
Governments have gone even further than this, and in
some of the Colonies, provided the Company with Office
and Staff accommodation free of charge together with
exemption from taxation and Port and Custom duties.
In reply to the Manager's representations
His Excellency the Governor was good enough to make
handsome recognition of the Company's services, and
16
in accepting our views offered to sell to the Company
privately a suitable site at $ 4
per foot, subject of
course to Your Lordship's approval.
I am informed that the above figure fully
covers the cost of reclaiming the land and under all
the circumstances I trust your Lordship will cordially
acquiesce in the proposed arrangement.
I have the honor to be
My Lord,
Your Lordship's obedient Servant,
songo,
Schwstands.
Chairman.
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