CO537-1651 — Page 58

12.

same time carry out a review, and if necessary

a revision, of existing local government

arrangements in the Colony, with the object of

associating the people in the most suitable way

and to the fullest extent that present conditions

allow in the administration of matters

appropriate to local government in Hong Kong.

In undertaking these consultations and framing

any recommendations the Governor will, of course,

be much assisted by all the thought which has

been devoted to this question during the past

seven months. Draft statement ends.

If you agree with my views on the general

question, and feel that responsible public opinion

need not be consulted on the detailed proposals for

broadening the basis of the Legislative Council,

the draft statement set out in the preceding

paragraph will require some amendment and there

"it might be advantageous

would, I think, be some advantage in mentioning in

in Kin

MIND

it the main features ef the new Legislative Council.

Carl

any In that event therefore I should be very grateful

L MARE

suggestions

for your views on the main features which I think

(if it is prachcable)

should be incorporated in the now Legislative Council

as-set-out in paragraph 8 of this telegramb

BUT

I should not however wish to delay the statement

for inclusion of these main features, if they cannot

be settled fairly quickly.

to mention in hum

Arpond staliment

tre