3.
Since then further consideration has been given to
the details of Sir Hark Young's proposals, as set out in his despatch No. 145 of the 22nd October, 1946, and I am now in
L
a position to accept those recommendations in full subject to the comments set out below (the references are to the
paragraphs of Sir Mark Young's despatch No. 145):
(a) Distribution of seats on the Municipal Council.
(paragraph 15). I acept the recommendation that the
number of seats on the Council should be divided equally
between the Chinese and non-Chinese communities. This and
other features of the scheme will, of course, be subject to
review from time to time in the light of experience.
(b) Residential qualifications for non-British nationals. (paragraphs 17(c) (e) and paragraph 24(vi)). I agree with your view that it is desirable that the non-British European and American communities should be allowed to be represented
on the Council, and I appreciate that the requirement of any
lengthy period of residence for such persons might have the
effect of depriving the Council of the services of valuablo
potential members. I have therefore given careful thought to
the suggestion that a shorter period of residential qualification, both for membership of the Council and for the
franchise, might properly be required of members of these
particular communities than of non-British Chinese citizens.
It is, however, my considered opinion that any differentiation
in this matter as between the non-British Chinese community
on the one hand, and the non-British European and American communities on the other, would be open to substantial objection; and since I understand that a general reduction in the period of residential qualification for all persons of other than
British nationality is not recommended, I consider that this period will have to be, for all such persons, 10 years out of
the