CO129-545-6 Air Ministry- request for extra land at Kai Tak 29-11-1933 - 8-2-1934 — Page 12

Ercini Ciri. 7 9 June 1890,

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Disposal of Colonial Military Lands and Buildings.

cap. 23.

1. With regard to the general question of colonial military lands and 1&1 Víc. buildings, it is assumed that all such lands and buildings are held by the Secretary of State for War for purposes connected with colonial defence, and that the Secretary of State represents the Crown in all matters pertaining to their military administration.

2. The Military authorities, acting on behalf of the Secretary of State, should, therefore, in communication with Colonial Governments, deal with colonial military lands and buildings in such manner as may best secure-

(1.) The efficient execution of the special service to which the lands

and buildings are devoted.

(2). The general interests of the colony.

3. On account of the changing conditions of warfare, it not unfrequently occurs that colonial lands and buildings set apart for military purposes cease to be necessary, or suitable, to their purpose, while, at the same time, or subse- quently, other lands and buildings have to be acquired to meet the necessities of the garrison.

4. It is therefore considered that all such military properties and their values should be treated as part of a capital sum devoted to defensive purposes, and that, when they are disposed of by sale, or by transfer to the Civil Govern- ment, their realized or estimated values should, as hereinafter detailed, be retained by the Colonial Governments, and be held by them available towards the provision of such other lands and buildings as it may subsequently be necessary to acquire for defensive purposes.

5. In colonies garrisoned by Imperial troops, when military lands or buildings, other than such as may have been purchased and paid for by the Imperial Government, are no longer required for military service, either immediately or prospectively, it is recommended that they should be surrendered to the Colonial Government, subject to the following conditions:---

(1.) If the colony wishes to retain them for civil purposes their value should be settled by agreement between the Local Civil and Military authorities, or by competent surveyors, as may be considered most desirable.

Where other lands or buildings for the garrison have to be provided, the agreed value of the surrendered lands or buildings should be contributed by the colony towards the cost of providing the new lands or buildings.

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