I too
SECRET & PERSONAL
-3-
above omitted and replaced by something in the sense of: "but this is inevitable if direct elections on the lines which you propose are to be held." I see no objection to this suggestion.
The position is therefore that the Unofficial Members of Executive Council accept the proposals as offering a feasible solution to the immediate problems of constitutional reform subject to the comments which I have referred to above. They hold the view that these proposals, and in particular the inclusion of non-British ́subjects as electors, should be presented as no more than an interim measure and that pressure for further con- stitutional reform must be expected once the initial hurdle has been tackled. Members also think that it would be possible to revert eventually to the principle that only British subjects shall be granted the franchise for the Legislative Council. I myself doubt whether this would be possible.
On the question of the proposed time- table we feel that everything must depend on the public reaction to the publication of the despatches. If all goes well it would be feasible to introduce the motion after a comparatively short interval.
Finally, as regards the suggestion in the draft despatch that earlier steps than were contemplated in the Governor's despatch of August, 1949 should be taken to devolve on the Urban Council more real responsibility for urban affairs, the inherent difficulties of quicker development in this direction are considerable in the exceptional circumstances here. But the importance of this development is fully appreciated and we would hope to be able to produce satisfactory proposals.
Jhum semuany
J.F. NICOLL