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respect of Imperial defence include special responsibility
e.g. in the free provision of land, towards any Imperial units
stationed in its territory.
Mr. Howard observed that it could not be accepted
that Colonial Governments were under a general obligation to
provide lands free for defence purposes.
Mr. Caines recalled that in the discussions with the
Governor in 1934 the Air Ministry representatives had been given
to understand that the local Government would be prepared to
provide sufficient land for their present programme free of
charge. In any case, the Air Ministry felt that they ought to
get as good terms as the War Office.
Mr. Gent pointed out that the Hong Kong military
contribution constituted a heavy liability which was
continuously before the eyes of the local legislature who in
raising new revenue for local purposes must in general allow for
20% to be diverted to the War Office. Moreover, the value of
land in Hong Kong (and particularly land suitable for k.A.F.
purposes) being much greater than in most Colonies could not
easily be sacrificed by a Colony which was financially in
straitened circumstances. He thought it very difficult to ask
the local Government to waive its rights under the 1901
Agreement which had been entered into with the express object
of compounding future liabilities.
Mr. Bridges suggested, however, that the concurrent
establishment of the Military Lands Account seemed to imply
recognition by the Hong Kong Government of some continuing
obligation to provide land for defence purposes notwithstanding
its military contribution; and he inquired whether the Account
could not be made available for the benefit of the R.A.F.
Mr. Newling explained that there was now no
considerable margin in the Account.
Though the War Office were