No.
371
Hongkong.
Government House,
25 SEP 02)
Hongkong, 20th August, 1902.
235
You
33303
Sir,
With reference to my Despatch No. 302 of the 10th ultimo, I have the honour to inform you that the Directors of the Dock Company have now asked leave to defer their decision as to whether the large area of land at and near the Dock Battery, Kowloon, shall be acquired by the Company for the purposes of an extension of their Docks and Workshops.
2.
The Directors desire to consult shareholders in England on the subject and as this will take time it is not possible for the sale to be completed this year. It may take place early next year but much depends on the attitude of shareholders at home and the matter is therefore uncertain. The enclosed leading article from the local 'Daily Press' shows the reasons which weigh with some of the Directors and with the majority of local shareholders against the proposed extension of the Dock.
Enclosure 8th August
3.
As the postponement and possible abandonment of this project seriously affects the financial position set out in the report which was enclosed in my Despatch referred to, I telegraphed to you on the 16th instant as per enclosed transcription.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,
&c.
&c.