CO537-2188 — Page 375

colleges might be more appropriate for the Chinese than

election by ballot. The China Association urge that

the method should be used, at least until the general standard of literacy and political maturity

is such that a form of general franchise can be

introduced.

If there is any serious risk that, in the

present circumstances of the majority of the Chinese

inhabitants of Hong Kong, the introduction of the ballot

box might lead to the election of Councillors who would

not be reasonably representative of the Chinese

community. I feel that serious consideration should

be given to the alternative suggested by the China

Association.

SECER.

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