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His Majesty's consideration, recommendations for such appointments. I am therefore not prepared to permit myself to be catechised as to what action at the present juncture I have taken or shall take to acquit myself of my heavy respon- sibility. But I can assure the Honourable Member in whose name the questions stand that his services to the Colonial Government, which none appreciate more than I do, have not been, and will not be, lost sight of. The last two questions relate to an alteration of the Constitution of the Colony. The suggestions made do not commend themselves to my judgment, and the season, in my opinion, is strangely out of joint for even the discussion of such questions, since the energies both of the Colonial and of the Imperial Governments are at present concentrated on the internecine struggle in which well nigh the whole world is now engaged.
No. 203.
DOWNING STREET, HONGKONG, 15th August, 1916.
SIB, I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 209 of the 26th May, transmitting a copy of correspondence with Mr. H. E. Pollock, K.C., and others regarding a Petition praying for greater representation of the public on the Executive and Legislative Councils.
2. I have carefully considered the Petition in question, but I am of opinion that the reasons which led my predecessors, Lord Ripon, in his despatch No. 135 of the 23rd August 1894, and Mr. Chamberlain, in his despatch No. 119 of the 29th May 1896, to formulate their decisions upon petitions for the amendment of the constitution of Hongkong are equally applicable at the present time: it is not therefore possible to meet the wishes of the petitioners as regards the Legislative Council.
3. As regards the Executive Council I cannot see any sufficient reason for increasing the number, or changing the method of appointment, of the unofficial members who are selected to advise the Governor in Council.
4. I shall be glad if you will cause the petitioners to be informed accordingly.
Governor
Sir F. H. MAY, K.C.M.G.,
&C.,
&c.,
&c.
I have, &c.,
A. BONAR LAW.