TNAG-0808-FCO40-1013-Use-of-Crown-lands-relinquished-by-Ministry-of-Defence-in-Ho-1978 — Page 233

Our reference: Your reference:

CONCONELDENTIAL,

Fron: J. Dromgoole, AUS(GS)

Main Building, Whitehall, LONDON SWIA 2H5 Telephone: Direct Dialling) 01-216-6476

AU3 (GS) 55/78 (D/DS6/7/16/13/3jchboard) 01-218 9000

34 Sary 1978

3

Discursel P.A

Jed

HKK 365 Quetult

KE LA F 13 FEB:978

Lieutenant-General Sir John Arailko,1625; Abad, 52

Commander British Forces

Hong Kong BFPO 1

Dear John.

MDCX

PA

see abave

mmpson

I do not Like this at all. Let- us discuss

During my visit to Hong Kong in the Autumn to negotiate

the Lyemun/Shamshuipo release and reprovision, I told you be e jas

of

my concern over further requests for the release of land in the colony held by MOD. Though I agree with the view that the scope for further release is likely to be very limited, land values in Hong Kong are such that every release - whether it arises because the land is genuinely surplus at the outset or, like Lyemun, is a case where the Governor is able to use special pleading - is not only bound to bring significant benefit to the Hong Kong Government, but also to involve issues which relate to the DCA either directly or indirectly.

2.

to}??

We must bear the benefits of any transfers in mind in any future negotiations with them. Thus, although hitherto the Commander British Forces has had the authority to sanction the release of land which is indisputably surplus to the requirements of the garrison, henceforth all requests for release will be referred to the Ministry of Defence. DAQ will be the appropriate entry point for such requests; though such a procedure incurs the risk that it may impose delay, provided that the relevant factors are adequately set out by your staff (and, of course, the Regional Estate Surveyor PSA) the penalty should be slight, and the procedure will be to the ultimate advantage of the Hong Kong garrison.

Distribution:

PS/Minister of State MA/QMG AUS(L) DMO

DAQ

SECCOS

Head of DS6

Head of DS20

Head of Defence Lands

Head of GF3

Mr. Appleton (PSA) Mr. Stewart (FCO)

Yours Sine

Sincerely-

* CONFIDENTIAL

Folyou