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7.
As regards your sixth paragraph, we agree
to the amendment proposed.
8.
The suggestion in the seventh paragraph of
your letter that the proposals "should be presented
as no more than an interim measure" is not one
which would be acceptable to the Secretary of State.
of cruise,
No measure of constitutional reform should be
regarded as final. On the other hand, it would
be wrong to suggest that the present proposals
possible are interim in character only, with the implication
that they are likely to be followed in the near
future by a further constitutional advance. We
agree, however, with your Unofficial Members' view
that if at some future date direct election to
the Legislative Council is introduced, the principle
that only British subjects would be granted
franchise must then be reverted to. The franchise
proposals now under consideration refer only to
indirect election and those suitable for direct
election raise quite different issues.
9. As to the possible time-table, we agree with
the view set out in the 8th paragraph of your letter.
10. As noted in the 9th paragraph of your letter
we realise that there are likely to be difficulties
in the particular circumstances of Hong Kong in
devolving on the Urban Council more real
responsibility for urban affairs, but we hope that
it will be possible to produce satisfactory proposals
in due course.
11. We trust that, after consulting the Members
of the Executive Council, you will be able to let
us have your further comments as soon as you
conveniently can so that the despatch can be sent
to arrive as soon after Grantham's return as
possible.