CO129-391 - Acting Governor Claud Severn Governor Sir May - 1912 [7-8] — Page 311

M. Suffin.

hst.

This appears on the anears

: Ih the for that we have not get

had a uply from the W.D.

R19/3/3.

Rul

N°

49. 289.

Dupl.

litos.

Sir,

0773 304

1 SEP 12

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,

HONGKONG, 15th. August, 1912.

I have the honour to transit for your con-

-sideration the enclosed copy of correspondence with the Military Authorities concerning the proposed lessing of an area of War Department land at Signal Hill, Kowloon.

2.

I understand that the area which the Military Authorities desire to loase is desired by the Humphreys Estate and Finance Company who own adjoining property, to make a lawn tennis ground for the use of their tenants.

3.

4.

I am most anxious at all times to meet every legitimate requirement of the Military Authorities and to place every facility in their way. In this case, however, unimportant as it any appear in itself, a considerable principle is involved.

I submit that it is not competent to the Military Authorities to deal otherwise with this War Department land than in accordance with the Circular of 30th. December, 1894. Either the land is required for defence purposes or it is not. If it is not so required then it must be dealt with in accordance with

the Circular.

The leasing of the land introduces a new principle not hitherto authorised. It is open to the objection that the exercise of the power of leasing may induce the military Authorities to retain in their control lands which they do not really want and whion should therefore revert to the Colony.

5.

HE RIGHT HONOURABLE

LEWIS HARCOURT, M.P

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