60
43499
1893
14
203
in contemplation the possibility of providing near Gun Club Hill in connection with one of our housing schemes some flats which would be suitable for junior married
officers.
5.
I accept the view of the Army Council as indicated in paragraph 5 of the War Office letter that the word 'reprovisioning' implies that the new accommodation will conform to modern standards but it will of course be
understood that the last word will remain with this Government which will not be required to pay for what it holds to be unnecessary or over-luxurious.
6.
As regards paragraph 7 of the letter it is now clear, as I have already stated, that the land-boom is definitely over. Prices of land have fallen greatly and there can be no question now that the figures in the Oakley award are far too high. This was the view taken by the Unofficial Members of Council at the time as indicated in
the reports forwarded in my despatch of March 17th 1924 and I would urge therefore that the Army Council should consider the question of a reduction in the price or, at the least, should accept my suggestions for the handing over of some land free of charge. Otherwise I fear that the discontent caused by the award and by the long time which has elapsed without any steps being taken to give effect to the proposals to transfer the military establishments will lead to a demand for the cancellation of the agreement.
7.
It is difficult to understand why there has been so much delay in this matter. As long ago as June, 1921, the Army Council stated that they saw no objection to the placing of the British battalion at Gun Club Hill, and ever since the acceptance of the Oakley agreement this Government has been ready and anxious to proceed but still the apparently simple task of providing new accommodation for a single battalion seems to present insuperable
difficulties
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