SAVINGRAM
To the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
From the Governor, Hong Kong.
Date
No.
2
Enclosure No. 3
7.
Although the Company might have been entitled to an extension of time within which to fulfil its covenants, no such extension was requested, and it is apparent from the terms of the Company's letter to the Director of Public Works that the scheme has been entirely abandoned. I am therefore advised that permission should be given to terminate the contract, a fair consideration for this concession being secured.
8.
I propose, therefore, subject to your approval to allow the Company to terminate the contract and that, as an act of grace, Government will refund 75% of the premium paid less 10,519, being the Crown Rent for the 1st half of 1950 which remains unpaid, waiving the right to Crown Rent for the second half of the year and to a refund of out-of-nocket expenses. It will be necessary to seek the approval of Finance Committee for a supplementary provision of over
£1,000,000 for head 22 subhead 18 for this payment and your covering authority is requested in accordance with your despatch No.302 of 25th September, 1948.
9.
In a letter dated 10th January, 1951, of which I enclose a copy, the Manager of the Hong Kong office of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Co. (China) Ltd. has conveyed a suggestion that owing to the closure of his office in Hong Kong further negotiations should be conducted by you and his Principals in London, with which suggestion I concur.
10.
With regard to the enquiry whether this Government would be prepared to purchase certain private lots from the Company, I regret that I am unable to agree to this proposal. These lots vary in area from 238 to 871 square feet, and the total annual Crown rent payable for them is $12. There is no objection to the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company selling these lots privately, but until they do so they are liable to pay Crown rent. I trust therefore that the Company has appointed a solicitor or some other person as their attorney, to whom demand notes for Crown rent may be sent. I would be glad to know the name and address of the attorney in due course.
-- انطله
3 Enclosures.
DCB:ppn.
ساستحت یک بالنده
12 FEB 1951
47
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