CO129-336 - Governor Nathan & Public Offices - 1906 [11-12] — Page 677

Any further communication on this subject should be addressed to--

The Secretary,

War Office,

and the following number quoted.

C. O.

14665

Rea Red 27 APR

669 London, S. W.

War Office,

London, S.W.,

Hong Kong 8/19 (L.B.)

26 April, 1906.

Sir,

Plan.

With reference to your letter dated 24th March 1906, (9902/1906), relative to the proposed construction by the Colonial Government of Hong Kong of a road through certain War Department land at North Point, Hong Kong, I am commanded by the Army Council to acquaint you, for the information of the Earl of Elgin, that the Council have issued directions to the General Officer Commanding in South China as to the course to be adopted in regard to the application of the Governor.

2. The Council agree with the Earl of Elgin that land transactions between the War Department and the Colonial Government will be governed by the Colonial Office circulars on the subject. In the case under consideration, therefore, if there is no military objection to the making of the road in the position proposed by the Colonial Government, the General Officer Commanding will doubtless arrange with the Governor for the handing over of the land required, subject to credit being given in the Colonial Military Lands Account.

3. It is not clear at present that the value to be credited would be the amount suggested by the Governor, as it does not appear that the War Department is interested in the considerations which the Governor mentions.

The Under Secretary of State,

Colonial Office.