§ 6. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the terms on which the lease of the Shameen, at Canton, is held by the British Government, or indicate in what form this document is accessible to the public?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Lord Robert Cecil)The lease of the Shameen, at Canton, was granted to His Majesty's Government in 1861, to be held in perpetuity by them for such uses and purposes as they should see fit, in consideration of the payment of a yearly rental. The 375 Chinese Government resigned all rights, title and claims to the said lot of land so long as the rent was duly paid. As regards the second part of the hon. Member's question, I regret to be unable to refer him to any publication giving the terms of the lease in question, but the gist of it is as quoted above. I shall be happy to show him a copy of the lease if he cares to see it.