SECRET
9.
That is to say the appointment of some local responsible ministers. A move towards a fully elected and responsible government, if successfully handled, could have real merit, but it would also entail so many dangers that I do not think it should be contemplated in present circumstances. A move towards a Legislative Council that contained a small elected element would not be subject to any of these dangers but would have little local appeal and would be hard to combine with the present constructive partnership between UMELCO and officials, which is a special and valuable feature of the present situation, and would be of no significance in putting power into local hands. I would be glad to develop these ideas in discussion.
19.
I am sending a copy of this despatch
to HM Ambassador, Peking.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
M
GOVERNOR.
SECRET