also
h
now
for Municipal Government. I should be glad
of your opinion as to whether a similar lack
of interest might be anticipated were it
proposed to introduce a considerable measure
of real representation into the central organs
of Government and especially the Legislative
Council.
6.
I recognise that the lack of enthusiasm
for the municipal proposals on the part of some
responsible persons is due to the fear of
domination by the Kuo-Min-Tang and that there
is some basis for this fear. You may think,
in view of this danger, to which you have drawn
attention in your confidential despatch, that
it would be unwise to take the more advanced
The step of broadening the basis of a Central
Government. On the other hand it is arguable
that in practice, it would be possible to
exercise more control over elements who might
be subject to Chinese political influence were
they elected members of the Legislative
Council (on which at the present stage it
would be reasonable to retain 'an official
majority) than it would be were they elected
members of a largely autonomous Municipal
Council of which there would be no official
representation of the Central Government.
this connection I may say that I entirely agree
with your view that it is essential that if a
Municipality is created, it should have genuine
authority, including financial responsibility, within its allocated functions.)
(In
7. I should be grateful if you would consider
therefore whether, if your proposals do not meet
/a