CO537-2188 — Page 464

PRIME MINISTER.

liong Kong

Constitution Changes.

In May, 1940, a statement was made to Parliament by my predecessor and in Hong Kong by the Governor con- cerning constitutional changes in the Colony.

2. It stated that it was the policy of H. M. G. that the Constitution should be revised on a more liberal busis as soon as possible, and announced that the Governor had been instructed to examine the whole question in consultation with representatives of all sections of the community. It suggested that the handing over of certain functions of the internal administration at present exercised by the Central Government, to a representative Municipal Council, should be considered.

3. The Governor, after consultation with representatives of all sections of the community, has recommended

(a)

the creation of a Municipal Council constituted on a fully representative basis which will gradually assume as many of the present functions of the Central Government as can appropriately be assigned to it, and

(b) certain modifications in the constitution of the Legislative Council for the purpose of securing in that body a more direct and a proportionately increased representation of the unofficial community.

4. I accept the view that this represents the best means or carrying out our policy, and I would like to announce these changes in the House at an early date.

5. I