CO129-478 - Public Offices & Others - 1922 — Page 209

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Nothing is known in this office as to the over- payment in question, but as the proposed method of adjust- ment obviates any cash payment from the British Treasury, it will, presumably, recommend itself.

(6) It will be noticed that the Pinewood property is not included in the valuation schedule, but the Colonial Government is very anxious to acquire it in connection with its soheme of road extensions, and there do not appear to be any special military reasons for retaining it, beyond the

The unsuit- site of the moveable armament shed at High West. ability of this locality as a residence for the G.0.0. and Staff Offioors has already been pointed out on page 3 of the memorandum which accompanied Command letter of the 5th

the As regards the value of this area, love ber 15.1. Colonial Government asserts that the price fixed by arbitration in 1905 was actually greatly in excess of its commercial value, and that its present day overall value is less than half that figure. Under these circumstances, the offer to take it back at the price originally paid appears to be fair and reason- able and is recommended for acceptance.

III.

A

If the approval of the Army Council is given to the foregoing proposals, the Colonial Government le desirous of making an early start with the reconstruction of Gun Club Hill Barraoke for the accommodation of one British battalion in order that Murray Barracks and Parade Ground may be handed over in due course as the first item in the programme. plan showing the proposed lay-out of Gun Club Hill Barracks was forwarded with Command letter dated the 26th November 1920, and approval is requested to proceed on those lines. It is also requested that I may be informed whether it will be necessary to submit detailed drawings of all new build- ings before actual construction is undertaken, in view of the fact that the Public Works Department have such long and varied experience in the design of buildinge suitable to this Colony and climate. I recommend that it be left to the P.W.D. to provide to War Office specification.

IV.

Pending further information as to the future garrison of Hong Kong, the location of a second British battalion in Kowloon, and the establishment of a cantonment in the Kowloon Peak area are reserved for future consideration.

The first essential is to decide on the goneral

The actual execution of the scheme principles to be allowed, must necessarily be spread over a considerable period of years, and to make the most economical and satisfactory scheme it is necessary to know what is to be the garrison of Hong Kong including Naval and Air Force establishments.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

(Sgd.) JOHN FOWLER,

Major-General,

Commanding the Forces in China.