CO129-589-15 Crown leases 4-2-1941 - 3-12-1941 — Page 8

1

2

We about the

question of good faith?

A.D.

whereas in the case of a seventy-five plus seventy-five

years lease compensation would be payable at the end of

the first seventy-five years if the land were resumed

for a public purpose, (the only purpose for which

compulsory resumption could in this case be effected).

I have no further comments to make on Enclosure 2 as the

arguments in Hr. Butters' memorandum do not appear to be

invalidated thereby.

4.

With regard to the statements in Enclosure 3 I

would point out that verbal assurances assuming such were

given are of little if any legal value and that the

contentions in this behalf of the Chamber of Commerce are

based on the vaguest of hearsay.

I have the honour to be,

My Lord,

Your Lordship's most obedient, humble servant,

Esmoron

Officer Administering the Government.

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Page

Page

Sir,

Enclosure No.1

HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

17th September, 1940.

6/40

I am directed to acknowledge, with thanks, the

receipt of memo No. 3886/1912, dated 12th July, 1940,

enclosing copy of a despatch and enclosure addressed to

the Secretary of State for the Colonies on the subject

of Crown Leases.

2. The Special Committee of the Chamber has con-

sidered these papers and has made certain comments, copy

of which it is requested be forwarded to the Secretary

of State.

3. With reference to paragraph 11 of the Special

Committee's comments, the General Committee suggests that

the Secretary of State be asked to take the opinion of

the Law Officers of the Crown on the question therein

raised.

4. The General Committee draws special attention to

paragraph 14 of the Special Committee's comments and will

be glad to receive the details therein requested as to

the practice of Government valuers in valuing types of

leasehold land.

I have the honour to be,

The Honourable

The Colonial Secretary,

HONG KONG.

Sir,

Your obedient servant,

(Signed) M.F. KEY.

Secretary.