himself be
able
to help us.
? As in
draft h/w.
D.B. Whyte 14/5
See 54393/47 (open)
49., Hong Kong - Jel. 817 Secret
Jo
48. To for. Hong Kong - bong del. Thy
10.5.KY!
13-5-47
19.5·47
19.5.17.
50., To Sir A. Grantham, K.C.M.G.
51. Sir. A. Grantham
1. In No.49 we have Sir Mark Young's comments on our long savingram to Hong Kong at No.30. The following are his views:-
(a) Proportion of Chinese seats on the Municipal
Council.
Sir Mark Young considers that an assurance that the proportion of Chinese seats will be increased would be potentially harmful, but would not object to the view being expressed in our official despatch that the present decision must be regarded as subject to review in the light of experience and changing conditions.
It will
S
In discussions with Mr. Mayle, Sir A.Grantham expressed the view that even a public reference to the present decision being subject to review would be most unwise (see paragraph 2 of Mr. Mayle's minute of`9th May above). be seen, however, from Sir A. Grantham' manuscript note on No.51 that he now strongly endorses paragraph 1 of the telegram at No.49. I take it, therefore, we can accept Sir M. Young' view and include a reference in these terms in our official despatch.
(b) 25 as minimum age for eligibility to vote and
for membership of the Council.
Sir M. Young agrees to the official reply indicating that this is accepted on advice that the weight of local opinion would not at present favour any lower age, though expressing the hope that a reduction in both cases to 21 will not be long delayed.
(c) Differentiation in residential qualification
as between non-British Chinese and non- British Europeans and Americans.
Sir M. Young's original proposals were:·
(1)
for non-British Chinese, residence of not less than 10 years out of the preceding 15 to qualify as Councillors,
and