Extract from SECRET Savingram No. 50 from the Governor,
Hong Kong, to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
Dated 11th August, 1947.
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As regards constitutional reform the National Times says that the
New proposals for a Municipal Council and for a re-adjustment of the
care.
number of official and unofficial members of the Legislative Council
mark a new chapter in the history of Hong Kong, though it goes on to
complain that only 15 of the 30 members of the Municipal Council will.
be Chinese and urges that the number of Chinese representatives on the
Legislative Council be increased beyond the present three.
(ii) Generally speaking the attitude taken by the local Chinese
press is that as Sir Alexander Grantham is the first Governor of
Hong Kong appointed by the Labour Government it is hoped that he will
translate the Labour Government's progressive colonial policy into
reality in respect of this Colony. Some disappointment is expressed
(a) at the fact that only 15 of the 30 members of the Municipal
Council will be Chinese, although Chinese form 98% of the population:
(b) at the qualifications required for members and electors who are
not British subjects; and (c) at the limited sphere of authority of
the Municipal Council: but the conclusion is reached that the
proposals lay a sound foundation for the new constitution and that
the "shortcomings" will be rectified in due course.
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