We take it that we should now telegraph
to the Acting Governor of Hong Kong confirming that
paragraph 6of the Joint Statement on Lend/Lease
applies to this case, and that the financial liability
involved will therefore rest with H.M. G. We also
propose to authorise the sale of the land in question
by private treaty. We should be grateful therefore
if you would let us know whether you agree with the
above, and what special instructions, if any, ou
would wish us to include in the telegram to the
Acting Governor regarding the terms of the sale, and
is accepha the procedure to be followed. If the suggestion t
rentals for the full terms of the lease should be paid
evented, you will no doubt wish us to ask
up now
the Acting Governor of Hong Kong to let us know the
commuted value, together with an explanation of the
basis of computation, before the figure is mentioned
to the Americans.
I am sending copies of this letter and enclosures
to Logan, of the Foreign Office, and to Serpell, who
will no doubt also be interested from his point of view.
I should be glad to have their comments,
if any, as soon
as possible. As there has already been this unfortunate
delay in dealing with the original savingram from Hong
Kong, may I ask for an early reply?
Yours sincerely,
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