CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911 — Page 4

the tl kermitte temporarily to use

M

part of it

sile

Jalo

is

1.

(ho the island site)

Blackheads whoug

M.1990.

which fent affrescurtater by site 4

Karlom

4/4

In Harcourt

You have in it pouring seen

fahren. ? Asperpres

67732

1814

yes

*.19.4.11

there

Sir,

Comy

Admiralty,

12726

RECE Rros18 APR 11

13th April 1911.

-: Confidential :-

I have laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your letter of 10th February (No.688/1910-11) enclosing copy of a despatch from the Governor of Hong Kong respecting an application made by the Japanese Firm of Mitsui Bussan Kaisha for permission to acquire a site for

a coaling depot.

25

2.- In reply, I am to acquaint you, for the informa-

tion of Mr Secretary Harcourt, that while their Lordships have no reason to oppose the application on strategical grounds, as a mile they would not favour the acquisition of a deep water site by subjects of a Foreign Power in such an

important Naval Base as Hong Kong. If however, suggested by the Colonial Office, the right of pre-emption

in the event of strained relations or war over the whole

of the coal stored, or of such part of it as it may be desired to appropriate, he secured as a condition of the concession, my Lords do not wish to raise any objection

to compliance with the Japanese Firm's request.

The decision as to the site will rest with the

Colonial Authorities, but if they have no preference it is suggested site (2) might be offered rather than the others.

3.- Enclosure No.2 to Sir F.Lugard's despatch is

returned herewith, as requested

I am,

Under Secretary of State,

COLONIAL OFFICE.

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

Mrrant

mol

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