CO129-415 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [12] — Page 144

gir,

2594

140

1, Des Voeux Road,

Hongkong, 28th November,

We are instructed by the Hongkong Central Estate Ltd.and

the Hongkong Land Investment and Agency Co., Ltd. to write to you

regarding the question of the leases of these Companies to German

Firms in so far as the question as to whether such leases are to

be determined by legislative action is being considered.

Our clients submit that it would not be right for the

Legislature to affect any obligations of the German Firms, in favour of such firms and adversely to our clients and would draw

your attention to the following consideration:-

The Honourable

(1). The effect of hostilities did not in any way operate

to affect these leases, either by determination or

suspension.

(2). The German Firms here after the outbreak of hostili-

ties remained in the position of alien friends. (3). That position was not affected because it was found

necessary in the interests of the State that they

should be either interned or sent away.

(4). The internment or sending away did not render it

impossible for the German Firme to fulfil their

obligations under the leases. Such obligations can

be performed either by the Liquidators or the German

Firms themselves as there are other branches in the

Fast carrying on business.

(5). The German Firms or their Liquidators can take steps

to make good any loss arising where the premises are

not required by sub-letting.

(6). Those members of the German Firms concerned who have

not been interned have gone to Shanghai to their

r. J. H. Kemp

Attorney General.