C
WAR OFFICE
561
Jeas
20764
00
no
1925-2
do
199 20
The circumstances of the case, however, it is not proposed to press against the Colony any claim on account of the cost of buying out private owners. The land referred to is that which was roughly shown on the tracing forwarded to you with War Office letter of the 22nd July 1899, 266/Hong Kong/28, and it was understood from your letter of the 16th August following, 19252/99, that the Secretary of State for the Colonies had no objection to its being reserved for military use under the rules then applicable.
2. I am to add that the acquisition of any additional land at Devil's Peak that may be required for the purposes of rifle ranges and manoeuvring ground will fall under the rules which came into force from the 1st January last, and are stated in Mr. Chamberlain's despatch to the Governor dated the 24th October 1900.
I am,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Westwood Witson