No. 23. C723
Government House, Hongkong, 17th February, 1902.
88
Confidential
Despatch No. 76.1.02
Sir,
2. With reference to Sir Henry Blake's Despatch No. 30 of the 24th January, 1900, relating to the proposed Admiralty Reserve of land at Black Rock Peak, I have the honour to transmit for your information the enclosed copy of a letter from Commodore Powell, in which he states that the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty do not now intend to acquire the land as originally proposed, but desire to be consulted before any Crown rights are conceded over this or any other area which might be suitable for a Naval Reserve.
As I gather that the Lords of the Admiralty have already communicated on this subject with you, I shall be glad to hear in due course the details of any scheme which they may have laid before you. Meanwhile, I have requested the Naval Authorities here to state, if possible, what areas they regard as suitable, so that no Crown rights may be granted to others until the Naval Authorities have been consulted.
I have the honour to be,
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.
&c. &c. &c.
Your most obedient humble servant,
J.Y. Rodger
Major-General, Administering the Government.