15
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We consulted the Admiralty and the
Board of Trade (see (4) and (6) on 82746/31)
about the original Bill. The Board of Trade
had no observations and the Admiralty's
suggestions are now incorporated in the Bill,
see clauses 5(3) and 13. I don't think,
therefore, that we need consult them again,
unless and until, we eventually receive the
Ordinance for signification of H.M's pleasure.
The Governor's observations in para.6 of
the despatch on the question of possible
repercussions in China seems sensible, but the
F.O. is in a better position than we are to
criticise.
I suggest that, subject to legal
observations, we should now send a copy of (17),
with the original enclosure for perusal and
return, to the F.O., together with a copy of our
letter to the China Association suggested below,
LF. for observations, ref. (4).
And write to the China Association, ref. (5)
enclosing the duplicate copy of the Bill.
Explain that since the Bill was originally
published in the Gazette on the 19th of August
last it has been amended as indicated at 'A'
overleat in my minute
Say that, as they are of
course aware, it is a recognised principle of
English law that owners of land may be required
by the legislature to surrender for the purpose
of public utility some or all of the rights
they possess over their land: that there appear
tobe in Hong Kong many schemes, such as, for
example, approaches to vehicle and passenger
ferries