CO129-480 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1923 [4-7] — Page 322

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Telegram from the Coveror of hong kong to the Secretary of

State for the Colonies.

Resed 14th July, 1923.

(Received Colonial Office 53 p.m. 14th July, 1923.)

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Your telegram 11th July Cannot understand refusal of War Office to accept valuation agreed to by their own local representative (3) in accordance with paragraph 7 1894 Circular. Local representative() understand(s) local conditions which no stranger however eminent can appreciate without prolonged study. Present conditions are

? entirely abno mal owing to influx of Chinese capital on account of disorder in Kwangtung resulting in land boom which is purely temporary. We could not accept Oakley's valuation if it differed from that of the expert(s) who understand the local position and in any case I cannot understand the use of another valuation so long as the War Office adheres to demand that the cost of reprovisioning should not be limited to the value of surrendered land and

buildings. We have every wish to provide ample accommoda-

tion in suitable surroundings but the demand that we should

assume the pet liability is obviously out of the question.

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punlimited

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As it appears clear that the War Office will not accept any

reasonable proposal I suggest that the point(s) in dispute

should be referred to arbitration of some eminent administrator alternatively I ask for appointment of Royal

Commission to investigate the whole subject including

certain questions of composition of garrison which to the no

military mind appears to contain excessive number of highly paid officers e.g. in Medical Department. I ask permission to publish correspondence in order to satisfy local opinion.

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(7675) W1, 20112/86 Gp. 140 80,000 11-22 W & § Ltd.

STUBBS.