CO537-2188 — Page 54

67 Sir Mark Young

ir. seeí

So Thad.

Hong Kong

15.5·47

Constitutional Changes

Mr. Roberts-Wray, Mr. Galsworthy

and I are discussing with Mr. Hazlerigg to-morrow the question of the qualifications for franchise and also that of ballot box versus electoral colleges. I hope to submit the file with a draft open despatch in reply to Sir Mark Young's despatch very shortly. There are, of course, one or two other important points, besides those mentioned above, which have yet to be settled, e.g. trade union representation on the Municipal Council.

I have supplied Sir Alexander Grantham with copies of the important correspondence and I am keeping him

informed of developments. I think it will be desirable to let him see the open reply to Sir Mark Young's despatch in draft form, in case he has any comments.

It might also be desirable to see representatives of the China Association, who have made representations on certain aspects of the scheme for a Municipality, including the important question of the ballot box versus the electoral college. I think that they would be content to see me. (I know Mr. Mitchell and I received a previous deputation from the Association on the subject of financial assistance for firms in China and property held by the Custodian of Enemy Property.)

The editorial enclosed with Sir Mark Young's letter is, of course, very misleading inasmuch as it makes no

reference

TIPS