31st December, 1946.
54385747
20
Sir,
I have the honour to inform you that the statue of Queen Victoria which was removed by the Japanese from its position in Statue Square, Hong Kong, has been recovered from Japan through the co-operation of the United Kingdom Liaison Mission in Tokyo.
When the statue was uncrated on its arrival here, it was discovered that certain parts were missing. I attach in duplicate as an enclosure to this despatch a memorandum prepared by the Director of Public Works describing in detail which portions of the statue have been lost. Each copy of the memorandum is accompanied by two sets of the photographs and drawings referred to therein.
I have already instituted enquiries with the object of discovering the missing parts, but there is little likelihood of their recovery. I do not consider it appropriate that the statue should be replaced on its pedestal in its present condition and I am anxious that steps should be taken without delay to obtain replacements for the missing parts. I am advised that if these parts can be replaced there will be little difficulty in attaching each in its proper position. The statue has suffered no general disfigurement.
The statue was made in London in 1890 by a sculptor named M. RACCI, and was cast by H. Young and Company, Art Founders, Pimlico, London. It is not unlikely that several identical statues were produced about the same time and I suggest that efforts be made to locate any such statues.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
A. CREECH JONES, P.C., M.P.
Page 20
Page 21
No:
249.
Auid. C
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
HONG KONG.
31st December, 1946.
54385747
20
Sir,
I have the honour to inform you that the statue of
Queen Victoria which was removed by the Japanese from its position
in Statue Square, Hong Kong, has been recovered from Japan through
the co-operation of the United Kingdom Liaison Mission in Tokyo.
When the statue was uncrated on its arrival here, it
was discovered that certain parts were missing. I attach in
2.
duplicate as an enclosure to this despatch a memorandum prepared
by the Director of Public Works describing in detail which portions
of the statue have been lost. Each copy of the memorandum is
accompanied by two sets of the photographs and drawings referred
to therein.
3.
I have already instituted enquiries with the object of
discovering the missing parts, but there is little likelihood of
their recovery.
I do not consider it appropriate that the statue
should be replaced on its pedestal in its present condition and I
am anxious that steps should be taken without delay to obtain
replacements for the missing parts. I am advised that if these
parts can be replaced there will be little difficulty in attaching
each in its proper position. The statue has suffered no general
disfigurement.
4.
The statue was made in London in 1890 by a sculptor
named M. RACCI, and was cast by H. Young and Company, Art Founders,
Pimlico, London. It is not unlikely that several identical statues
were produced about the same time and I suggest that efforts be
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
A. CREECH JONES, P.C., M.P.
Page 20Page 21
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