+
54145/4/47.
Colonial Office,
Downing Street,
S.W.1.
25th June, 1947.
80
Lear Helsby,.
Constitutional changes in Hong Kong
I am sorry to have to trouble you with yet another version of our draft despatch on the Hong Kong Constitution, On Monday, however, we had a long discussion with Sir Mark Young on the draft enclosed in my letter to you of the 18th June, as a result of which we have made a number of further amondments. These amendments are sidelined in the enclosed revised draft which is now being submitted to higher authority here.
The only variation on matters which are, I think, of direct concern to the Treasury is that in paragraph 3(1) of the revised draft. The new version brings out more clearly that the levying of rates and fixing of fees will be a matter within the discretion of the Municipal Council, but that it would be open to objection if the Central Legislature were to transfer to the Municipality any authority in respect of other taxation.
Should there be any further substantial
amendments to the draft before it is finally approved by all concerned, I will let you know. Meanwhile we take it that you have no further comments on the draft as it now stands? As you know it is our hope that we shall be able to get the despatch off
L.N. HELSBY, ESQ.
i
officially