TNAG-2957-FCO40-4236-Future-of-Hong-Kong-British-Consulate-General-Colvin-House--1993 — Page 49

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Miss Brook amendments

HILD 406/1

FROM: P F Ricketts

Hong Kong Department

DATE: 6 January 1993

RE

12 JAN 1993

IN

Mr Hum

PS/Mr Goodlad

cc: Mr Bertram, OED

Miss Brooks,

Legal Advisers

FUTURE CONSULATE-GENERAL IN HONG KONG: PRIVATE TREATY GRANT

(PTG)

Problem

1. Problems with PTG (form of lease under which we will be

We do not granted the present Colvin House site until 2047). dispute Hong Kong's right to expropriate the land, should that

for priblic perposes. prove necessary' in future, but we maintain that the PTG

in the event of expramention provisions for compensation if they do so are inadequate. negotiating partner, the Buildings and Land Department (BLD)

We need a does not have the authority to give us what we seek. policy decision from the Hong Kong Government.

Recommendation

л

· in

Our

2. I recommend that we enlist the aid of the Constitutional Affairs Branch (CAB) and if necessary the Governor seeking a resolution to this problem.

Background

3. As Ministers will be aware, the granting or leasing of land in Hong Kong is at the discretion of the Sino-British Land Commission (LC). Under the system operated, the future SAR will receive 50% of the premium generated by approved leases.

In the

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