i
earlier if possible.
Para. 5.xiii.
273
The arrangement proposed in your letter differs materially from that discussed with Sir F. Lugard, and I beg to inform you that on referring this matter to His Excellency on the evening before nis departure from the Colony, I was assured by him that he clearly understood that if this property was required by Government, rent would have to be paid. Under the circumstances therefore, the Wharf Company is not prepared to agree to the pro- -posal now made that the Government should retain the Police Basin for three years free of rent. I beg however to put forward the following alternative proposal:-
The Government to retain the Police Basin (with exception of a strip of about 60 feet in dept on that portion which faces the Canton Road) for one year "free of rent", and to have the option of leasing it for a further period of two years thereafter at a rental of say 8500 per month. Access to tue Police Basin over the above mentioned strip from the Canton Road would be arranged if required. During such period as the Government occupies the Police basin free of rent, the Wharf Company to be given a similar area with water frontage on K.M.L. 3 or 9 free of rent.
I have etc.,
(Sd.) C. H. Ross,
Chairman,
Hongkong & Kowloon Wharf & Godown Co.,Ld. Hongkong Land Reclamation Company, Ld.
The Honourable
The Colonial Secretary,
Hongkong.