1
2
We about the
question of good faith?
A.D.
whereas in the case of a seventy-five plus seventy-five
years lease compensation would be payable at the end of
the first seventy-five years if the land were resumed
for a public purpose, (the only purpose for which
compulsory resumption could in this case be effected).
I have no further comments to make on Enclosure 2 as the
arguments in Hr. Butters' memorandum do not appear to be
invalidated thereby.
4.
With regard to the statements in Enclosure 3 I
would point out that verbal assurances assuming such were
given are of little if any legal value and that the
contentions in this behalf of the Chamber of Commerce are
based on the vaguest of hearsay.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient, humble servant,
Esmoron
Officer Administering the Government.
8
Page
Page
Sir,
Enclosure No.1
HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
17th September, 1940.
6/40
I am directed to acknowledge, with thanks, the
receipt of memo No. 3886/1912, dated 12th July, 1940,
enclosing copy of a despatch and enclosure addressed to
the Secretary of State for the Colonies on the subject
of Crown Leases.
2. The Special Committee of the Chamber has con-
sidered these papers and has made certain comments, copy
of which it is requested be forwarded to the Secretary
of State.
3. With reference to paragraph 11 of the Special
Committee's comments, the General Committee suggests that
the Secretary of State be asked to take the opinion of
the Law Officers of the Crown on the question therein
raised.
4. The General Committee draws special attention to
paragraph 14 of the Special Committee's comments and will
be glad to receive the details therein requested as to
the practice of Government valuers in valuing types of
leasehold land.
I have the honour to be,
The Honourable
The Colonial Secretary,
HONG KONG.
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) M.F. KEY.
Secretary.