6. We have already told C. S. Division not to proceed further for the time being with the selection of a Town Clerk (see my minute of 19/11). But, when a decision on (19) has been taken, we shal
have to go rather further than this and ask them to inform their candidates that the post is not being filled for the present.
7.
There is no great hurry about (20). That can be dealt with after a reply has gone to (19).
15.12.48.
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1949 file
15%,
Mr. Roberts-Wray
I read this telegram as meaning that the Governor considers it would be unwise for the Hong Kong Government to take the initiative in withdrawing the present constitutional proposals, but that he is pretty sure that, when the Bills come up for conson. in the Legislature, there will be sufficient criticism of them from the Unofficial side to necessitate a considerable amount of 'back peddling' and delay and even, possibly, the abandonment of the Municipal Council' project entirely (that part of the constitutional proposals is, as I see it, the most dangerous part at the present time for the reasons explained in Mr. Wallace's minute of 9th November above we don't want to hand over the Municipality to the Communists); and so satisfied is the Governor of the probable need for reconsideration that he does not wish to go ahead with the selection of the Town Clerk at present.
-
and
In these circumstances, I consider that we should agree to his publishing the draft Bills (we should, of course, clear up the point about the fourth Bill see 3(b) of Mr. Wallace's minute), at the same time sending the Governor Mr. McPetrie's comments on the main Bill (these are, I understand, mainly of a technical nature and are now being typed, there are certain points on which Mr. McPetrie wants to 'consult you before they are ready for despatch), going on to say that comments on the other Bills will follow, etc., on the lines in paragraph 4 of Mr. Wallace's minute directly above.
Subsequently, action will be necessary as in paragraph 6 of Mr.Wallace's minute.
Mr. Banwell (?), who helped us in finding possible candidates, should also be informed of the position as people may get in touch with him about it.
I agree that we can leave No. 20 to be dealt with when a decision on the main issue raised above has been taken.
If you would like to discuss I would gladly come down.
JD...
17.12.1948.
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