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(3) on FED.472/
400/02
(v) Introduction of Chinese as an official
language to be used simultaneously in Hong Kong with English
It is assumed that the reply to this
suggestion should be based upon the relevant
passage in your Address at the Budget Meeting
of the Legislative Council on 28 February.
(vi) Political Reforms
You will note from the record referred to
in paragraph 2 above that the Minister
explained to the delegation the difficulties
about providing for elected representation on
the Executive and Legislative Councils.
should be grateful for your comments on the
request for representation of the New
Territories on the central Councils of
Government.
We
(vii) Localisation of the Civil Service
We are aware of the political considera-
tions which limit the localisation of senior
posts; these of course cannot be publicly
mentioned. No doubt you will feel that this
can best be answered by reference to the
steady growth in the proportion of administra-
tive and professional posts filled by local
officers (40.4% in 1961 to 46.1% in 1966) and
to such limiting factors as the lack of
sufficient qualified candidates.
(viii) Local Government
It is assumed the information contained
in your Address to the Legislative Council on
28 February could be used as the basis for
the reply.
(ix) Land Policy in the New Territories
This is, of course, a very long-standing
bone of contention with the Heung Yee Kuk.
The latest communication that we have from you on the subject is your Savingram No.283H dated 2 December, 1966.
/4.