CO537-1651 — Page 54

6.

It was with some hesitation that I have decided to

refer this general question back to you for your

further views in the light of the considerations set

out in the three previous paragraphs, as I realised,

after reading your despatches, how very carefully you

had gone into the whole question before making your

I recall too that it was at your

suggestion that the final decision in regard to the

creation of a Municipality was deferred last Spring

for the express purpose of enabling the people to be

consulted. But it did seem to me that the change in

recommendations.

the plans for Singapore was a matter which I should

bring to your notice before a decision on the general

question was taken, and that this development, coupled

with the lack of enthusiasm among the people of Hong Kong

The oner cousars w

Joved to above for a Municipal Council made it very desirable to

consult you further on the general question.

7.

CONSIDERATU

On a full consideration of the general question

in the light of the factors mentioned above, I am

inclined to think that the main constitutional advance

in Hong Kong should take place in the Central Government

and not in local government. I am particularly concerned

about the lack of public enthusiasm for an elected

Municipal Council which, if it resulted in the failure

of this line of approach, might have serious consequences,

and would mean that the considerable time and effort

spent in setting up the Council would have been wasted.

8.

If this general view is adopted, it would,

I feel, be necessary that the changes in the Central

Government should represent a marked advance. My own

view is that the following main features should be

incorporated in the new Legislative Council:-

(a)

Unofficial membership on a non-communal basis

consisting of elected and nominated members;

the former to be equal in numbers to the

officials so as to give an unofficial majority

with