COPL. No.: 197.
Enclosure No.: 2 to Despatch No. 113 of the
34th March, 1903.
428
Sir,
Commander-in-Chief,
China Station,
14th March, 1902.
REGI 23 APR 2
In reply to Your Excellency's letter of 10th March, 1902, No.: 18/3, addressed to Commodore Powell, on the subject of areas of land which might be desired as naval reserves, I have the honour to represent to Your Excellency that it would not be possible to determine a long time, perhaps many years in advance of a sale being sanctioned, exactly what areas of land, in accordance with the conditions of the day, might prove useful for naval purposes.
2. I would therefore suggest for Your Excellency's consideration, as being likely to prevent inconvenience to the Colonial Government, when a sale on an island or including foreshore is contemplated, that a reasonably short notice, say a few days, be given to the Naval Authorities in order that the requirements of naval defence may be stated; and if a reply is not given within the time named, that the propriety of going on with the sale might then be decided by the Colonial Authorities.
His Excellency
The Officer Administering the Government,
Hongkong.
I have etc.,
(Sd.) Cyprian A. Bridge,
Vice-Admiral.