244
9.
Nothing is known in this office as to the over- payment in question, but as the proposed method of adjust- ment obviates any oan payment from the British Treasury, will, presumably, recommend itself.
it
(6) it will be noticed that the Pinewood property is not included in the valuation schedule, but the Colonial Goverment is very anxious to acquire it in connection with its sche..e of rod extensions, and there do not appear to be any special military reasons for retaining it, beyond the site of the moveable amament shed at High West. The unsuit- Boility of this locality as a residence for the G.0.0. and Staff Officers has already been pointed out on page 3 of the manorundum which accompanied Command letter of the 5th Novelber 1921. As regards the value of this area, the Colonial Goverment asserts that the price fixed by arsitration in 1906 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 is desirous of making an early start with the reconstruction of Gun Club Hill Barracks for the accomodation of one British battalion in order that lurray Barracks and Parade Ground may be handed over in due course as the first item in the programe. 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 infomed 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 buildings 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 Kowloop, and the estaolishment of a cantonment in the Kowloon Peak area are reserved for future consideration.
The first essential is to decide on the general piinciples to be allowed. The actual execution of the scheme must necessarily be spread over a considerable period of years, and to make the most economical and satisfactory Bahee 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 borces in China,
"
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.