CO882-(4-5) — Page 304

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Printed for the use of the Colonial Office.

Eastern,

No. 61.

Memorandum for Lord Ripon.

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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

C.O. 882

5 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO

56

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MILITARY LANDS-HONG KONG.-

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CEYLON.

1. All land in the Colonies is, until alienaten, vested in the Crown, and every Governor is em- powered by Letters Patent to make and execute "under the Great Seal of the Colony grants and dispositions of any lands which may be lawfully granted and disposed of by Her Majesty within the Colony." The Legislatures of the Colonies also by enactment dispose of Crown lands. proceeds of all dispositions of Crown lands form part of the Colonial revenues and are used for the purposes of the Colonial Government. This right has been distinctly recognised by Parliament, 15 & 16 Vict. cap. 39.

The

2. In all the larger and in some of the smaller Colonies, lands were in former times set apart for inilitary purposes. In some cases the lands were merely reserved from sale and were never occupied or utilised by the military authorities; in other cases the military entered into occupation of the lands, erecting buildings, or otherwise turning them to account; in other cases the lands were formally granted to the military authorities by conveyance under the hand of the Governor and the seal of the Colony, sometimes (it is believed) absolutely, some- times to be held in trust, for military purposes.

3. In course of time many portions of land so set apart were found to be unsuitable for, or to have ceased to be required for, military purposes, and have been given up to the Colonies. The Colonial authorities were allowed to take possession of lands of the first two classes, for which no written titl had been issued. But it was considered that the Secretary of State for War was incapable of giving up in this manner lands which were veated in him by deed, and accordingly the Colonial Fortifications Act, 1877, was passed 40 & 41 Vict. cap. 29. Various Orders in Council have been issued under this Act, generally upon a condition that if troops were hereafter sent to the Colony the necessary barracks should be provided for them. No question arises at present upon any of these past transactions.

4. A few years ago it was decided to fortify Houg Kong, Singapore, Colombo, and other important coaling stations, and a Committee consisting of representatives of the War Office, Treasury, and Colonial Office was appointed to consider and report upon the sums which each Colony night be called upon to contribute annually to the expense of the garrison; and in writing to the Colonies the Secretary of State, on behalf of Her Majesty's

E 73450. 19-10/98. G. 47. E. & S.

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