3
5.
The alternative courses would be:-
(1) to rent some existing building;
(2) to start at once to build a new Government House,
relying meanwhile on the clemency of the Commander-
in-Chief, China Station;
(3)
6.
to arrive at some more stable arrangement with the
Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.
I am satisfied after enquiry that the first
alternative is out of the question. The second is, I fear,
impracticable, not only because of the difficulty of
obtaining steel and other metals, but also because of shortage
of architectural staff.
7. The third alternative appears to be the only
feasible one, invidious though it is to suggest it. I
shall be glad, therefore, to learn whether, in the event of
my being driven out of this house by actual or imminent
collapse, you would be willing to approach Their Lordships
with that object in view. I may add that Admiralty House
is itself far from being suitable as a Governor's residence.
It has no quarters or office accommodation for the
Governor's staff and it is very difficult of access.
is,
It
therefore, reasonably certain that as soon as circumstances
allow a new Government House would be built and Admiralty
House again made available for the Commander-in-Chief,
China Station. It seems to me that a 'gentleman's
agreement for the loan of Admiralty House would meet the
case, Their Lordships agreeing to leave the Governor
undisturbed and the Colonial Government being pledged to
build a new Government House as early as possible.