File 54132
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I. Lands.
1.
54132
N
HONG KO.3
CIVIL AFFAIRS POLICY DIRECTIVES
Revised Draft
19/5/44.
LANDS AND SURVEY
A Land Officer should be appointed as soon as possible.
2. The leases and titles in force at the date of enemy
occupation should be recognised as valid, but those purporting to
be issued subsequently by any.Government authority should be held to
be open to cancellation or to confirmation after investigation.
3.
Any
Charges for rent or fees should be payable as from the last
date prior to enemy occupation up to which they have been paid.
proof that rents, fees, etc. have been collected by the enemy during
the period of occupation should be deemed to be a proper discharge
for the period concerned provided that receipts are surrendered.
4. From the date of liberation rent and fees at the rates
payable before enemy occupation, if tendered, should be accepted, but
the receipt therefor should contain a clause to the effect that it
does not of itself constitute right or title to the lease in respect
of which it is issued until search has been made for Registry records
and copies of Crown Leases, and the right or title proved.
5. Until records have been re-established no transfer or
During the period of military
change of title should be permitted.
occupation no leases on the usual term of years should be issued but
the land should be made available to the applicant by permit for one
year renewable annually for a further one or two years, by which time
it should be possible to re-establish the records of the Land Register.
It will be the intention of the civil government that Crown Lands
should then be alienated under terms and conditions to be approved by
the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
Special questions arising with regard to marine lots and
piers are dealt with in the Fort directive.
/II.
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