Copy of
minute on
..
52928/20/49
23
:
It is unfortunate that, as a result of the delay which has taken place in dealing with this matter (due partly to the interim corres- pondence with Singapore at Nos. 33 - 38, und to pressure of even more urgent work), Sir A. Roberts-ray's comments on the Singapore Ordinance in the minute of the 6th april have only just been telegraphed to Malaye and Hong Kong in the telegrams at Nos. 45 - 48.
In the meantime we have had a telegram from Malaya at No. 40 saying that they wish to introduce their Bill on the 19th May and also a telegram from Hong Kong (No. 19 on 54463/49) representing the urgency to introduce legis- lation there.
In the meantime the question or policy (as distinct from legel complications) has not yet been settled. A draft was prepared in the Bestern Department with which I đò not agree in thet either of the alternative suggestions mude therein would tie the hands of the Mələyan Governments, if as a result of the examination now being undertaken, they should ultimately wish to take action against the Malayan Indian Congress. I have therefore prepared a fresh draft herewith, covering action both as regards Malaya and Hong Kong.
In that draft I have commented on only one of the provisions of the Hong Kong Bill in 54463/49 1.e. the provision under which registration of a Society could be refused on the ground that it "is affiliated or connected with any organisation or group of a political nature which is established outside the Colony, in such a manner as to place such Society in any way or in any matter under the control of such organisation or group",
This provision goes very much f than anything in the Singapore Ordiş in the draft herewith I have taken