local opinion in formulating proposals for the
creation of a largely autonomous municipality,
whose members would be elected under a wide
franchise, and to which would be transferred many
of the Services at present administered by
Government. The Governor of Hong Kong, has, however,
now come to the conclusion that, liberal as
his proposals were, they might not fully satisfy the
aspirations of the people of Hong Kong for a
responsible share in the management of the affairs
of the Colony. With my approval, therefore, he has
now decided to embark upon a different approach to
this problem. He will again take counsel with
responsible public opinion in the Colony with a
view to formulating proposals for broadening the
basis of the Government itself by a system of popular
election of a substantial proportion of the members
of the Legislative Council. In considering his new
proposals, the Government will, of course, have the
advantage of all the thought which has been
devoted to these matters during the past 7 months."
9. I appreciate that in discussion with you before
your return to Hong Kong as in my predecessor's
public statement the view was taken that the most
profitable line of progress was likely to be the
establishment of a Municipal Council. The purpose
of this telegram is that I may be satisfied that, the
factors mentioned in paragraph 3 above are fully
considered before a final decision is taken.