97499 St.S.
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Registry No.
CONFIDENTIAL
DRAFT-
SAVING
DISPATCH
To:-
Top Secret. Secret.
Confidential, Restricted. Unclassified.
The Acting Governor
HONG KONG
Type 1 +
From
13
Telephone No. & Ext.
Department
THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE SCOPE FOR LOCAL
ADMINISTRATION
1.
I have studied with very considerable
interest the Memorandum før Executive
Council, number XCC(71)20 of 22 May, and I
have noted that with comparatively minor
reservations your Council advised that the
proposals in that Memorandum should be accepted.
2. It is clear that a great deal of work
has gone into the preparation of the
Memorandum and those responsible are to be
congratulated. I am in general agreement
with the conclusions reached although I am
somewhat disapointed to see that you have felt able to recommend the addition of only a small number of new functions of a
relatively minor nature for the Urban Council
to undertake. It seems unlikely that these
additional functions will, in the selves,
be sufficient to generate a sense of
responsibility on the part of the Council.
However, I am in entire agreement with the
concept of giving the Council limited but specific financial powers. It appears that this approach presents the best hope of aking
the Council more efficient in carrying out
the duties for which it will be publicly
seen to be responsible.
13.
CONFIDENTIAL