In reply please quote 2976/1962 C.$.O.
His Excellency
Sir,
348
GOVERNMENT HOUSE
HONG KONG.
March 6th, 1903.
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt
of your Excellency's letter of 1st instant with reference to the question of the control of the portion of the harbour set apart as an anchorage for His Majesty's Ships of War.
2.- This question was dealt with on an application
from Commodore Robinson on the 3rd December 1902, for the
removal of certain moorings and I enclose for Your Excellency
information a copy of the minute of the Attorney-General
which clearly defines the legal position.
3.- I consider it extremely improbable that the
Harbour Master would permit Merchant Vessels to anchor within
the boundary of that portion of the harbour set apart as anchorage for His Majesty's Ships, but if they so encroached the Attorney-General advises that the Harbour Master is the only person legally authorised to exclude them.
I have, &c.,
(Sd) Henry A. Blake,
Governor, &c.
Vice-Admiral Sir Cyprian A.G. Bridge.
K.C.B.