SEORET
189
2
HONG KONG
CIVIL APPAIRS POLICY DIRZOTIVIS
PORT ADMINISTRATION
1. The harbour of Hong Kong should be re-established as a commercial port as quickly as possible with facilities comparable
to those available in 1941 and such improvements should be made as
the new conditions may demand.
2. The recommendation made by Sir David Owen in his Report
dated 24th February, 1941 entitled "Future Control and Development
of the Port of Hong Kong", that the port administration should be
under the control of a Public Trust, while the operation of the
port should remain as previously in the hands of private individuals
or firms, should be accepted and implemented as soon as practicable.
3. To carry out this policy it will be necessary to relieve
the Harbour Master of certain functions and responsibilities
previously held which would not be the concern of the Port Trust
when this is established. The work of ship survey and boiler
inspection, the duties of marine magistrate and the control of Air
Services should be transferred to other departments whilst the
accounts of the Harbour Master's Department should be placed on such
a basis as will enable a balance of debits and credits in the
running of that Department to be struck.
4. Holders of pier leases expiring on 31st December, 1949
should be informed again that Government intends to take possession
of all piers on that date and that no claims for compensation or
fresh leases on favourable terms will be considered, but that
Government will be prepared to issue new leases at the old rentals
to all previous leaseholders for a term equivalent to the period of
enemy occupation. Leaseholders should be informed that thereafter
new leases will be issued at full rental value to whomsoever
Goverment please and on such terms as may be desirable in view
of the future development of the port.