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W(B)L 51-7406
h
Kry event we Weve been informed I since the receipt of
the cita chest
deen) that it sits befense of the complicted legal fragting invilford it wil not
be possible to bring the pools with effect before 1973.
Apart from the arguments advanced by the
Governor in favour of this approach, there
is always the danger that an extension of
the franchise might lead to attempts by the
local Communists in a politically apathetic
community to gain substantial influence
in the Council
10. It is almost certain that the Governor's
proposals will meet with a hostile reception
from the present Unofficial Members of the
Urban Council. This seems inevitable when the
thon put forward by proposals are compared with what the Urban
themselves Councillors would thus bike to see implemented.
But despite this and despite the possibility
of adverse reports in the local press, it is Seems
aning most likely that in the case of the better
lord
informed section of the Hong Kong community
15cume
Canticus there will be general relief at the eurious
approach to the problem, whilst the bulk of the
population are unlikely to evince much interest
in the matt
RECOMMENDATION
17. Despite the disappointing restricted nature
of
the additional functions to be accorded to
the Urban Council under the Governor's
proposals, the new financial arrangements
envisaged will at least give the Council an
C Council
opportunity of seeing whether ther/can and will
/can
face up to responsibility in the efficient
دان
performance of their proper functions.
accordingly recommend that we address the
Acting Governor in terms of the attached draft
Before the despatch (es) Saving Despatch. Alternatively, you may wish
to take the opportunity of the Governor's
presence in London to discuss the proposals
with him.
· 7 -
(145181) Dd. 737490 750M 1/71 Hw.
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