CO537-2188 — Page 164

3.

Since then further consideration has been given to

the details of Sir Hark Young's proposals, as set out in his despatch No. 145 of the 22nd October, 1946, and I am now in

L

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 acept 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