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some correspondence took place in the local European Press
in which members of the Eurasian Community set out their
objections to the proposed amendment of the law.
2.
Since my return from leave I have had
private conversations with some Chinese which lead me to the
conclusion, which the Secretary for Chinese Affairs has also
arrived at, that it would be impossible to proceed with the
amendment of the law which you have sanctioned without the
outspoken support of the Chinese Members of the Legislative
Council and that such support cannot reasonably be expected
of them in view of the strong feeling which exists even
among the pure Chinese that the alterations of the law would
be derogatory to the prestige of their race. These Chinese
do not gainsay the justice and reasonableness of the pro-
-posed legislation. But the time honoured fear of "loss of
face" is too strong for the modicum of moral courage with
which the Chinaman is endowed.
3.
Two suggestions have in these circum-
-stances been made by the Chinese themselves to overcome the
difficulties of fresh legislation. These are (a) to exclude
all Asiatice from residence at the Peak without the per-
-mission of the Governor-in-Council; and (b) to enact a
general prohibition against residence at the Peak except by
permission of the Governor-in-Council.
Against the first proposition there are
obvious objections, and with the concurrence of the Executive
Council I have decided to recommend to you the adoption of the alternative proposal.
I endlose the draft of a Bill to give
affect to the suggestion which not only for the reasona
Sou
stated in my Despatch Confidential of the 5th. of September
I wish most strongly to recommend to you but for the politic-