· RECOг IHELLOUD NOBLOCK NYK"
· far we agreed with
consideration the draft
evenbus2ly in reply to the
beir
uld enable Jr.Nicoll
to suggest possible amendments to the proposed des♬t reply ani at the
ting
should
be anda, 1, Per Bår. A.Grantham returns to Kong Kong. The Sotrettay of State's open rejly, which is te be published, might lay down the general prinsipies which he is prepared to accept and leave the Government of Hong Kong to work out the details.
The new proposals were then considered,
Mir, Sidebotham said that he had had an opportunity of a brief discussion with Sir Charles Jeffries last Saturday morning and they had agreed that whoever was elected must be a British subject though it did not matter who the lectors were. They were, however, doubtful about the sise of the Unofficial majority. Kr. Sidebotham pointed out that the Constitution had to be framed for "fair weather or foul". He thought it might be preferable to have a closer balance between the official and unofficial sides. The Governor considered that in any international polical
of issue he co::ld depend on 10 vots out of the 15.
Tae
The Governor's original and casting vote 4 officials
1 J.F. non Chinese.
1 Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (1
European).
2 nominated by the Governor,
He agreed, Bowever, that on financial and taxation issis risk that the Unofficial Habern might vote against the
Mr. Sidebotham pointed out that the trouble in tue started because of differences of opinion on income tax. felt, however, that on any major issue the members would view. If they went ag inst the Governant on any very Governor, after consulting the Secretary of State, would reserve powers. le thought this was a risk which should but that we must be prepared to show confidence in the les
Mr. Faskin enquired what the reactions would be if i balance. Sir A. Grantham replied that if there were not mi majority he thought that there would be a slightly bigger outa be prepared to accept the present proposals, but if Mr. Nicoll i after consultation with the Unofficial kombers made the suggesti Governor's oasting vote should decide the issue, he would be ma
Sir A. Grantham asked whether it was essential,
so guard dangera which arise in any colony or against dangers peculiar
i.e......"international issues." From the Government's pol would be preferable if there were an unofficial majority of ci the Covernor'a original and casting vote would carry the day, however, was satisfied that the new proposals would safegen any "international issues".
Mr. Sidebotham enquired that if it was decided th an unofficial majority of ons only, what would be the be this. Sir A. Grantham replied that this could be done number of official weshers or by reducing the number of nominees by two and adding three officials, or by reques members from 2 to 1.
Mr. Sidebotham enquired whether there wa being cleated. The Governor replied that he dàầ the moment. He was all in favour of it, but any been met with singularly little success either fr non-officials. The main difficulty was that Chi utter at all.