54145/4/48
Cypher (0.7.P.)
OUTWARD TELKORAN
TO HONG KONG (Sir A. Grantham)
Sent 18th November, 1948.
No, 1180 Secret.
15.00 hrs.
18
1
Your telegram No. 589,
Constitutional changes.
I should be grateful for expression of your views as to whether, in view of situation in China, it might not be desirable at present juncture to go alow, or indeed to mark time, with the proposed revision of Constitution and establishment of Municipal Council. In this connection, considerations expressed in paragraph 6 of Sir Mark Young" s uraumbored despatch of the 22nd October, 1946, road in the light of preacht circumstances, appear to be pertinent.
2. On the other hand, political capital might perhaps be made by Chinsae ort of any farther delay in proçaeding with contemplated chunges as already announced.
3 Several possible orsdidates for Town Clerk's appointment (your telegram No. 253 refers) are now available for intervist.
Be Zefore proceeding further, I should wish to learn, by telegran, with reference to paragraphs 1 and 2 above, in which direction you consider that balance of advantage lies in light of your own assessment of position, and to be advloed whether you would wish we to proceed with selection of Town Clerk.
Copies sent to:-
Foreign Office
Kr. P.D. Coates
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