18
END
STOM
colonial government and not to the Chinese people. It is true that in the Legislative Council, there are three Chinese unofficial members. However, these gentlemen being as a rule British subjects, annot properly be said to be the representatives of their country- men, since they receive their appointment from the Hong Kong govern- ment. Of course they are very anxious to do all they can for the Chinese as recently they petitioned the government to extend the number of hours of water supply to the rider main districts. time to time, they presented the Chinese viewpoint in any matter for consideration of the local government, but in no sense they are acting in the same way as a consul would have done. A consul is responsible to his own government and is under a duty to protect the interest of his people regardless whether a given controversy is unpleasant or embarrassing to himself or not. In the past, if the Chinese have a grievance which they want the Hong Kong govern- ment to rectify, they have to bring the matter to the Commissioner of Foreign Affairs in Canton who in turn approaches the British consul in Shameen to adjust the matter with Hong Kong. This is too complicated a procedure. Moreover, the Bureau of Foreign Affairs in Canton will soon be abolished. Therefore, the most desirable and urgent step is to appoint a Chinese consul in Hong Kong, who not only serves the interest of his people but promotes trade between Hong Kong and other cities in China.