CO129-379 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1911 [8-9] — Page 243

3

241

(0)

Should the Government at any time

desire to resume an area in private ownership whether for strategical or other reasons it can do so under the Public Lands Resumption Ordinance by paying its full value and compensation for disturbance and value of buildings etc. The reasons which prompt the Government to resume need not be disclosed.

(a)

Finally I need hardly point out

that any attempt to apply to the population of this Colony who are not British subjects the

restrictions referred to above would be a death-blow to its prosperity, and would differentiate Hongkong from other Crown Colonies.

5.

In any particular case where a

foreign Firm desired to acquire a site which might have a tactical (or strategic) value the Governor would no doubt consult the General Officer Commanding before granting a lease, to a foreign Firm whose presence there might seem undesirable. But as I have already

said, this constitutes no safeguard whatever since

any private owner can at any time sell to a foreign Firm without having to obtain the prior sanction of

the Government. In the case of the Mitsui Bussan Kaisha

the particular site has no Military importance whatever.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

Mangar

Governor, etc,.