Any further communication on this subject should be addressed to-
The Under Secretary of State,
War Office,
"Works."
and the following number quoted.
PECD(8590)
&
War Office 7 APR 9
London, S.W.1
Hong Kong 8/24.
London, S.W.
April, 1899.
Gw 14289 98.
Sir,
In reference to your letter of the 14th November last, 14289/98, and previous correspondence on the subject of the provision of sites at Hong Kong for Military purposes by the Colonial Government; I am to acquaint you that after careful consideration of the points raised by the Acting Colonial Secretary in his memorandum dated 23rd May 1898, as also in that of 17th June 1898, relative to the transfer of a site on Gun Club Hill, it appears desirable that, without going into the question of any particular site, some steps should be taken to settle the general principles at issue, and to define more clearly the liability of the Colony to provide sites for Military purposes, beyond the value of any Military land which may have been surrendered, whether by special agreement or otherwise, with the view of preventing a recurrence of the present difference of opinion between this Department and the Government of Hong Kong.
As it is very improbable that an early settlement of the matter could be arrived at by correspondence, Lord Lansdowne is of opinion that it would be best dealt with
The Under Secretary of State,
Colonial Office.