43
and
was known to and accepted by the Colonial Office. The practice of capitalizing Crown rents and debiting them against the Department originated after the issue of the Circulars in connection with certain new acquisitions; it was agreed between the two Departments that the lands then in question should remain subject to the Crown lease in other respects. The Department thus retained its right to dispose of its leasehold interest for cash either to the Colonial Government or to third parties a right which was admitted by the Colonial Office in the course of the inter-Departmental correspondence. The same right of disposal attaches to the leasehold plots now in question; and the Council feel themselves under an obligation to preserve it.
This object, they suggest, can be achieved by leaving the records in their present condition, or, preferably, by incorporating in the Memo. of Surrender from and Re-transfer to the War Department a stipulation to the effect indicated in the letter dated 8th September 1933, from Cominand Headquarters to the Lands Officer, a copy of which communication accompanied your letter under reply.
I am,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Viddows