CONFIDENTIAL
There is an additional reason why we must avoid the introduction of
an elected legislature. It would be bound to reflect the politics of the
"two Chinas".
A political conflict of this nature would be unacceptable
to the Communists; there is a very great danger that political apathy would
allow them to obtain control.
We must look to other ways and means of ensuring closer association
of the ordinary citizens of Hong Kong with the administration of the affairs
of the Colony.
We think this must be in the sphere of local government.
A working report party on local administration in Hong Kong reported last February and/has
been published. The Report considers the types of local authorities which
might be established and the criteria which might govern their establishment.
This is by no means a straightforward matter in the context of Hong Kong since,
although the total population of the Colony is relatively small, there are
certain areas where the density is as high as 5,000 persons to the acre. This
aspect is one amongst a number of difficult factors which bring their own
problems and which require careful study. The recommendations in the Report,
which are not unanimous, are now the subject of public discussion and
consultation in the Colony.
Hong Kong and West Indian "C" Department.
1st September, 1967.
CONFIDENTIAL