11
Telegram from the Governor of Hong Kong to the Secretary of
State for the Colonies.
42
Dated 24th August.
(Received Colonial Office 12.35 p.m., 24th August,1927
1316 A
Secret. Your telegram of 12th August
Aerodrome resumption of proceedings having been commenced
and land entered on consider that we are morally bound
to pay cost of acquisition when amount is agreed upon.
Failing payment on demand interest would be chargeable
at 8 per cent. Amount estimated to be spent on work
exclusive of resumption prior to 31st March 1928 is dollars
1,000,000 which includes nullaks, sea wall and part of
dredging and filling. If full amount of His Majesty's
Government's share as set out in my telegram of 6th August
can be guaranteed and payment of dollars 1,200,000 made by
May next and the balance by September 1928 I should be
prepared to advance the necessary funds from balance
available after flotation of loan and from advances from
Bank. Current year's contribution from Air Ministry could
then be fixed at what inistry could afford.
Approach road though in part ultimately useful.
to this Government as a through road would not have been
undertaken except as portion of aerodrome scheme in present
state of the Colony's finances. It is essential for the
Aerodrome and the cost should be borne in the same propor-
tion as the rest of the scheme. The further resumption at
(h) in my telegram of 6th August refers to the small triangle
at the extreme north east corner of aerodrome site north of
Newkowloon Inland Lot 124 and east of New Kowloon Inl and
Lot 119 which is outside boundary of Kaitak Company's area.
It can be seen on enclosures to my despatch of 18th January
1927 Secret 2. Mention of this small corner being outside
Kaitak area was inadvertently omitted from despatch.