Sir,
ENCLOSURE
C. O.
25301
41
JUL OF
"Centurion" at Bei Bai Nei.
30th May, 1901.
340
1
In reply to your letter D.W.18887/2653 of 27th March, 1901, forwarding a copy of a letter from Mr. H. Keswick, V.P., relative to Dock Accommodation at Hongkong, I have the honour to report that, I am of opinion that the conditions of transfer of land for the new Dock proposed to be constructed by the Hongkong and Whampoa Dock Company might be modified by waiving the Admiralty claim to preferential rights of docking at any time under ordinary circumstances, these rights only being exercised
(a). In Time of War.
(b). When War is considered to be threatening.
(c). When the Senior Naval Officer at Hongkong considers that the safety of one of His Majesty's Ships would be endangered if she were not docked without delay.
I have &c.
(Sd.) E. H. Bayly,
Vice Admiral.
To Secretary of the Admiralty,
Whitehall,
London.