C
OR
(click enclosure & Enclosure III)
Secretary, Army Council.
C 262
33235
Pret
Bras 14 OCT ||
Just become aware negotiations between Colonial Government and Japanese steamship Company Mitsui Bussan Kaisha for seventy-five years lease to the latter of sea front about five hundred yards inside harbour for coal depot approach conclusion, Seems to me undesirable from a military point of view as existence of such an establishment within line of defence might seriously increase tactical risks of defence with weak garrison. For full particulars refer to Colonial office which had correspondence with Admiralty on the subject in February. If any objection action by telegraph necessary as matter approaching conclusion. End of message.
C.A.4.