DRAFT CYPHER TELEGRAM
TO: ACTING-GOVERNOR,
SONG SONG"
1.
DRAFT 'B'
Your telegram ko.817 and my telegram No.875.
Constitution. »
•
On question of proportion of Chinese seats,
I am content in circumstances that my official
reply to Young's despatch No.145 of 22 October
should express view that present decision must be
regarded as subject to review in light of
experience and changing conditions.
I also accept view that there should be no
reduction in period of residential qualification
for all non-British subjects. Presume therefore
this period for all such persons will be not less
than 10 years out of the 15 preceding nomination
for Councillors, and 6 years out of the preceding
10 for voters.
3. I am also prepared to accept allocation to
Trades Unions for the first Council period of two
only of the nominated Chinese seats, but, as
suggested, I shall refer in my official despatch
to an increase in this allocation as a possible
future development.
4.
Reference to nomination of members of a
Legislature in paragraph 6 of my savingram No.32
was intended merely to show that precedents exist
for nominating bodies to have right of selecting
members, although actual instrument of appointment
has to be signed by Governor. I do not, however,
wish to press suggestion that Governor should sign
instrument of appointment if you consider this
undesirable in light of local circumstances.
5. I note acceptance of deletions to Young's
despatch No.145 proposed in paragraph 8(1) of my
sevingram
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