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As to nominated members, it would appear that the Governor is concerned about, "kith and kin" rather than economic interest a difference in sharp contrast with my recent discussions about the Gold Coast constitution. I accept the Governor's view but purely as a transitional expedient in achieving a representative institution that nomination should be based on nationality or race though I hope the point will be brought to the notice of the nominated that they are appointed by the Governor from their nationality or race because of their social experience of their individual race and they are selected to promote the general and broader interests of the Colony - not merely to represent sectional interests.
I agree that the Leg. Co. will have more elbow room if, its mumber of unofficials is 11 rather than 9 though I see the appreéter of the Dept. But the risks are remote and I think on practical grounds" should Ibe taken. The Governor has reserve powers and usually other expedients
he can draw on if necessary. There must, too, appear a bigger sop to democracy than the figure 9 will allow. Cynical as this may seem, we cannot ignore that we want British values and standards established in Hong Kong which is an outpost of considerable British significance and influence, while at the same time we must accept it as a colony with some political significance surrounded by territories proclaiming democracy if practising communism in which full responsibility cannot be conceded. The inconsist- ency makes our situation in Hong Kong difficult but we undoubtedly will be faced with a clamour for a fully democratic system later on.
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I agree that while we must accept the fact that for the time being the Governor should preside over the Leg. Co. the practice should diminish as circumstances permit as stated by Mr. Rees-Willians and Lord Listowel.
t
(Intd.) A.C.J.
6/1/50.
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