gir,
2594
140
1, Des Voeux Road,
Hongkong, 28th November,
We are instructed by the Hongkong Central Estate Ltd.and
the Hongkong Land Investment and Agency Co., Ltd. to write to you
regarding the question of the leases of these Companies to German
Firms in so far as the question as to whether such leases are to
be determined by legislative action is being considered.
Our clients submit that it would not be right for the
Legislature to affect any obligations of the German Firms, in favour of such firms and adversely to our clients and would draw
your attention to the following consideration:-
The Honourable
(1). The effect of hostilities did not in any way operate
to affect these leases, either by determination or
suspension.
(2). The German Firms here after the outbreak of hostili-
ties remained in the position of alien friends. (3). That position was not affected because it was found
necessary in the interests of the State that they
should be either interned or sent away.
(4). The internment or sending away did not render it
impossible for the German Firme to fulfil their
obligations under the leases. Such obligations can
be performed either by the Liquidators or the German
Firms themselves as there are other branches in the
Fast carrying on business.
(5). The German Firms or their Liquidators can take steps
to make good any loss arising where the premises are
not required by sub-letting.
(6). Those members of the German Firms concerned who have
not been interned have gone to Shanghai to their
r. J. H. Kemp
Attorney General.