CO129-594-4 Lands and Survey Policy Directive 21-2-1945 - 1-12-1945 — Page 15

SECRET

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HONG KO

CIVIL AFFAIRS POLICY DIRECTIVES

LANDS AND SURVEY

64132

Revised Draft

19/5/44.

I. Lands.

1.

A Land Officer should be appointed as soon as possible.

2.

The leases and titles in force at the date of enemy occupation should be recognised as valid, but those purporting to be issued subsequently by any Government authority should be held to be open to cancellation or to confirmation after investigation.

3. Charges for rent or fees should be payable as from the last date prior to enemy occupation up to which they have been paid. Any proof that rents, fees, etc. have been collected by the enemy during the period of occupation should be deemed to be a proper discharge for the period concerned provided that receipts are surrendered. From the date of liberation rent and fees at the rates payable before enemy occupation, if tendered, should be accepted, but the receipt therefor should contain a clause to the effect that does not of itself constitute right or title to the lease in respect of which it is issued until search has been made for Registry records and copies of Crown Leases, and the right or title proved.

4.

J

Fout

5. Until records have been re-established no transfer or change of title should be permitted. During the period of military occupation no leases on the usual term of years should be issued but the land should be made available to the applicant by permit for one year renewable annually for a further one or two years, by which time it should be possible to re-establish the records of the Land Register. It will be the intention of the civil government that Crown Lands should then be alienated under terms and conditions to be approved by the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

6.

Special questions arising with regard to marine lots and piers are dealt with in the Fort directive.

/II.