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"His Majesty's Government has under consideration the means by which in Hongkong, as elsewhere in the Colonial Empire, the inhabitants of the Territory can be given a fuller and more responsible share in the management of their own affairs. One possible method of achieving this end would be by handing over certain functions of internal administration, hitherto exercised by the Government, to a Municipal Council constituted on a fully representative basis. The establishment of such a Council, and the transference to it of important functions of Government might, it is believed, be an appropriate and acceptable means of affording to all communities in Hongkong an opportunity of more active participation, through their responsible representatives, in the administration of the Territory. But before a decision is taken on the methods of giving effect to the intentions of His Majesty's Government, it is considered essential that the important issues involved should be thoroughly examined in Hongkong itself, the fullest account being taken of the views and wishes of the inhabitants.
The Governor has accordingly been instructed to examine the whole question, in consultation with representatives of all sections of the community, and to submit a report at an early date, bearing in mind the policy of His Majesty's Government that the constitution should be revised on a more liberal basis as soon as possible. The aim will be to settle and to announce not later than the end of the year the principles on which that revision should be based".
This announcement of the intentions of His Majesty's Govern- ment and of the instructions which have been issued to me will I
It will be am sure cause general satisfaction in the Colony. recognised that the participation of the inhabitants of Hongkong in the management of their own affairs which His Majesty's Government envisages relates not only to the working of new systems but to their formation, and it will be therefore at every stage of the developments which lie before us that the general co-operation for which I have already asked will be required from the people of the Colony.
I conclude by repeating my warmest thanks for the welcome that has been accorded to me and by expressing my most earnest hope that the welfare of this Colony and its recovery from the ravages of var a recovery which has already been so well and truly instituted under Your Excellency's administration
may
be so furthered in the days that lie before us that no long time may elapse before Hongkong in all prosperity and goodwill regains - in the words of His Majesty's gracious message the pride of place which she has occupied in the past.
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