Eastern colonies at the present time is there any unofficial element in the Executive Council, and if the change is introduced in Hong Kong, it will probably follow also in due course in Ceylon and the Straits Settlements.
But I am not clear that the step would in all cases be actively beneficial, and I am quite clear that the existing system has on the whole worked well, and that therefore there is no strong reason for disturbing it.
I note in the next place that Mr. Reswick proposes that the unofficial member should be of English birth, and you suggest in your despatch that the nominee should be Englishmen suitable in the absence of any Chinaman fitted for the post. It must, however, be taken into consideration that it would be invidious, inequitable, and undesirable to lay down that Chinamen shall be debarred from membership or appointment to the Executive Council, and therefore the possibility of the appointment being hereafter filled by a Chinese gentleman should be reckoned with.
In the third place, you must take it that practically unofficial assistance in the Executive Council could always be obtained if the status quo were maintained.