No. 209.
Sir,
Government House, Hong Kong, 3rd August, 1899.
In reply to your despatch No. 117 of the 23rd June last, I have the honour to inform you that the land in question which the Admiralty desires to acquire for Naval purposes is claimed by certain Chinese under perpetual leases at rents hitherto paid to the Chinese Government.
Full investigation will be made into these claims, and I will address you further on the subject in due course.
I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Most Obedient Humble Servant,
Henry Arthur Blake
GOVERNOR, &c.
The Right Honourable JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P., &c. &c.