(57) 1949ple
1
SECRET 54145/4/50
DRAFT DESPATCH
Sir,
2.
Spone copies
at back of file.
I have the honour to refer to your despatch
No. 155 of the 25th August, 1949, transmitting recommen-
dations for the amendment of the Constitution of Hong Kong.
Since my assumption of office I have been giving
these proposals very careful consideration, and I now
desire to inform you of some of the conclusions which I
have reached. Before doing so, however, I would like to
record my very real appreciation of the constructive
thought which has been put into the formulation of the
proposals recommended by you, not only by yourself but
by the Unofficial Members of Legislative Council and
other interested parties, who have contributed to this
scheme of constitutional reform. I do not at this
juncture desire to express my approval or otherwise of the
recommendations which you have made until you have had
an opportunity of considering with all concerned the
observations and suggestions made in the subsequent
paragraphs of this despatch.
3.
I have taken note of the view expressed by the
Unofficial Members of Legislative Council in conclusion
(a) of their motion on the 22nd June, 1949, that the
proposals made by Sir Mark Young involving the creation
of a Municipal Council, with minor modifications only of
the Constitution of the Legislature, are no longer con-
sidered to be the best means of giving the inhabitants
of the Colony a fuller and more responsible share in
the management of their own affairs. I am in general
Sir A. Granthe K.C.M.G.,
Hong Kong.