It ought to go to the Law Officers.
As regards the question itself, the limits of British territory have not been laid down, but as far as respects the waters of the bay, the land lying between high and low water mark out of the land cannot be regarded as part of the waters.
ABC 16X199
No. 282.
Government House, Hong Kong, 6th October, 1899.
Sir,
I have the honour to transmit to you copies of minutes and reports relating to the question of the ownership of the foreshore of Mirs Bay, and to request that you will submit them to the Law Officers of the Crown for their opinion.
2. The question has arisen incidentally in connection with the rival claims of Chinese launch-owners, but as there is every reason to believe that the general question of foreshore rights on the waters of Mirs Bay and Deep Bay, which are included in the area leased to Great Britain under the Convention of the 9th June, 1898, will become increasingly urgent and important as time goes on, it is advisable that this Government should clearly understand what its rights are.
I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Most Obedient Humble Servant,
H[enry] A[rthur] Blake
GOVERNOR &c.
The Right Honourable JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,
8cc.
80.
800.
54
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