CO129-604-2 Crown Leases 23-2-1948 - 6-11-1948 — Page 10

Sir S. Abrahams

10

I find that this issue was the subject of reference to Mr. Duncan in 1940, and it seems to me desirable that the Legal Advisers should see at this stage in case they have any comments before I submit the draft to higher authority here (Sir S. Caine will certainly want to see).

I entirely agree with Mr. Bourdillon's view that it would not do to have two contradictory methods of assessment, and the full and fair value of the land seems to me to be a reasonable basis. I feel very uncertain, however, about basing premiums on the developed value of the land. As to this see the comments in paragraph 7 of the Governor's despatch, which explains why he wants to vary the proposals originally approved in No. 18 on 54051/40. It seems to me that lease & premum shord's follow

Each other in the respect.

I agree that we should telegraph to the Governor as soon as possible as he is anxious to make known the terms on which further applications for renewals of leases will be considered.

30

JBS

8.5.1948.

no legal questions, affear to be involved.

and Jean contribute

nothing

has been said above.

To what

Labroberg

107-145-

Su-S.Came

Z

hi Paskuis akence

Jhans

twist toy

އ

I know you are

interests withe matten

w this matter by doubts

as at t m

minti ator remains

any

11/5

Mr. Sidebotham.

While I agree with the substance of the comments made in the previous minutes, I think they rather under-state the difference between us and the Hong Kong Government. The change in policy implied in (b) of the draft is so considerable that Hong Kong will feel that we are either very naive or very cool to put it in the

form

Page 10Page 11