C
(F 8204/8204/10)
Sir,
CHINA ASSOCIATION,
99, CANNON STREET,
E.C. 4.
23rd November,
1932.
63
19, has been the subject of a
As you are doubtless aware, the Hongkong Government
has given notice of its intention to introduce an Ordinance to
validate the construction and maintenance of piers, reclamation
and other public works in connexion with the foreshore and sea
bed or Crown Land covered with water. The Ordinance is to be
cited as the Foreshore and Sea Bed Amendment Ordinance, 1932.
The Draft Bill, which was published in the Hongkong
Government Gazette of August
meeting of members of my Committee, who recorded their appre-
hension at the probable effect of the adoption of this measure
It upon British and other foreign foreshore rights in China.
was decided to write to the Hongkong Chamber of Commerce
expressing the view that the Bill, if passed, "would almost
certainly be used by the Chinese Government as precedent and
argument for similar action, not necessarily in connexion with
any particular scheme but as part of its programme for the
recovery of 'sovereign rights' through legislation aimed
directly, like the recently introduced Press Iaw, at
restricting foreign privileges and activities".
It was also decided to suggest to the Chamber that, in place
H.M. Under Secretary of State
for Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Office,
S.W. 1.
/of