CO537-1651 — Page 158

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3. Since then further consideration has beon given to

the details of Sir Mark Young's proposals, as set out in his

despatch No. 145 of the 22nd October, 1946, and I am now in

a position to accept those recommendations in full subject

to the comments set out below (the references are to the

paragraphs of Sir Mark Young's despatch No. 145): -

(a) Distribution of seats on the Municipal Council. (paragraph 15). I accept the recommendation that the

number of seats on the Council should be divided equally

between the Chinese and non-Chinese communities. This and

other features of the scheme will, of course, be subject to

review from time to time in the light of experience.

(b) Residential qualifications for non-British nationals.

(paragraphs 17(c) (e) and paragraph 24(vi)).

I agree with

your view that it is desirable that the non-British European

and American communities should be allowed to be represented

on the Council, and I appreciate that the requirement of any

lengthy period of residence for such persons might have the

effect of depriving the Council of the services of valuablo

potential members. I have therefore given careful thought to

the suggestion that a shorter period of residential

qualification, both for membership of the Council and for the franchise, might properly be required of members of these

particular communities than of non-British Chinese citizens.

It is, however, my considered opinion that any differentiation in this matter as between the non-British Chinese community

on the one hand, and the non-British European and American communities on the other, would be open to substantial objection; and since I understand that a general reduction in the period of residential qualification for all persons of other than

British nationality is not recommended, I consider that this period will have to be, for all such persons, 10 years out of

the