Pol. External Dept 16640/48 'Transfer of the Church of the Epiphany at Bushire' [‎7v] (14/62)

even less security of tenure in the event of
the whole property changing hands. The ^
Ambassador took the line, however, that the
present proposal might well be the best
solution obtainable and that the bidder f s
reluctance to part with the land outright
might be due to no more than a fear that the
C.M.S. might one day wish or be forced to put
the land to another use or even to sell it^ '
in which case serious damage might be done to
his interests. The Bishop, of course, wanted
to get more of the land surrounding the church,
and this s covered in the enclosed telegram.
We will report as soon as we get news that
«he bidder and the .5. have reached common
ground, but I am sending you this advance
information so that you may khOw how the land
lies. I do not think that it will be necessary
for you to pursue the question of a free gift
from the Government of India' or H.M.G. but of
course the fact that the C.K.S. are allowed to remai
will be reflected in the bidder f s ultimate
price. There is no doubt that the existence '
of en enclave in the property will materiallv
reduce Its value.
Wlnt9r lf ^ ^