CO129-542-3 Foreshore and Sea-bed Works Bill- correspondence 9-1-1933 - 16-8-1933 — Page 53

3.

53

(6) Clause 8 has been redrafted to include the addition

suggested in paragraph 3 of your despatch mentioned

above, and also to make it correspond more closely

The period within

92583/4x1

6.

3th Ordinance No.26 of 1932.

which compensation must be claimed has been extended

to three months, and a new sub-clause (4) provides

for the appointment of assessors,

(7) Clause 12 has been shortened.

(8) A new clause 13 has been added to meet the require-

ments of the Admiralty as suggested in paragraph 4

of your despatch.

It is difficult to follow the contention of the

China Association that legislation which provides machinery

for hearing objections and for payment of full compensation

to lessees for the loss of private rights can be regarded

as precedent and argument for similar action in China, whether

in connection with particular schemes or as part of a

programme for the recovery of "sovereign rights". There would

in fact appear to be no more danger on this score from a

general than from an "ad hoc" Ordinance. I would add that

it is generally understood that in China land required for

urban improvements is taken arbitrarily and without provision

for any adequate compensation.

7.

I should be glad to receive your approval to

proceed with the Bill.

B3

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

Live

Governor, &c.