6.
It was with some hesitation that I have decided to
refer this general question back to you for your
further views in the light of the considerations set
out in the three previous paragraphs, as I realised,
after reading your despatches, how very carefully you
had gone into the whole question before making your
I recall too that it was at your
suggestion that the final decision in regard to the
creation of a Municipality was deferred last Spring
for the express purpose of enabling the people to be
consulted. But it did seem to me that the change in
recommendations.
the plans for Singapore was a matter which I should
bring to your notice before a decision on the general
question was taken, and that this development, coupled
with the lack of enthusiasm among the people of Hong Kong
The oner cousars w
Joved to above for a Municipal Council made it very desirable to
consult you further on the general question.
7.
CONSIDERATU
On a full consideration of the general question
in the light of the factors mentioned above, I am
inclined to think that the main constitutional advance
in Hong Kong should take place in the Central Government
and not in local government. I am particularly concerned
about the lack of public enthusiasm for an elected
Municipal Council which, if it resulted in the failure
of this line of approach, might have serious consequences,
and would mean that the considerable time and effort
spent in setting up the Council would have been wasted.
8.
If this general view is adopted, it would,
I feel, be necessary that the changes in the Central
Government should represent a marked advance. My own
view is that the following main features should be
incorporated in the new Legislative Council:-
(a)
Unofficial membership on a non-communal basis
consisting of elected and nominated members;
the former to be equal in numbers to the
officials so as to give an unofficial majority
with