CONFIDENTIAL
3.
change next year of up to 2 in the Executive Council and 5 in the Legislative Council if this seems desirable.
7.
With regard to (c) - two women instead
of one
one female member has found herself at something of a disadvantage in an otherwise wholly male Council. But I must also admit to the view that a few strong-willed women in places of authority help at least a Chinese society to work. The new member I have proposed, Mrs. Symons, has proved herself in the Urban Council and as head-mistress of a leading girls' secondary school, and I hope she will strengthen the educational work of the Legislative Council at a time when the expansion of secondary education is a prime target, and in sounding her I have asked her to specialise in this field.
8.
With regard to (f) the overload on unofficials you will recollect that one of my first experiences here was to have the senior unofficial drop dead at the Council table from consistent over- work. I have considered the demands made on unofficials and am satisfied that while there are ways in which they could economise effort, basically the demands of the job, as it has evolved, have become too great for the numbers to do it. In fact I think that probably two more than present numbers will be desirable, but I would like to see first what difference an addition of one will make.
g.
The other new member I have proposed, Mr. Wu Man-hon, is very well known both in business circles and in the Urban Council. He is an able and respected man with wide connections. I hope that in particular, as Vice-Chairman of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association, and a considerable manufacturer himself, he will be able to represent the needs of the non-textile manufacturing and exporting industry. In sounding him
I have asked him to specialise in this and the kindred fields of technical training and education and industrial diversification.
10.
I should be obliged for your approval of
these proposed appointments by telegraph.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
Lilm.
Mr. Mo Sila
GOVERNOR.
(CONFIDENT