CO537-2188 — Page 94

Extract from SECRET Savingram No. 50 from the Governor,

Hong Kong, to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Dated 11th August, 1947.

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14

110A

5.

Original on 54228/1147 copil for 54145/4/+7.

As regards constitutional reform the National Times says that the

New proposals for a Municipal Council and for a re-adjustment of the

number of official and unofficial members of the Legislative Council

mark a new chapter in the history of Hong Kong, though it goes on to

complain that only 15 of the 30 members of the Municipal Council will

be Chinese and urges that the number of Chinese representatives on the

Legislative Council be increased beyond the present three.

(ii) Generally speaking the attitude taken by the local Chinese

press is that as Sir Alexander Granthom is the first Governor of

Hong Kong appointed by the Labour Government it is hoped that he will

translate the Labour Government's progressive colonial policy into

reality in respect of this Colony. Some disappointment is expressed

(a) at the fact that only 15 of the 30 members of the Municipal

Council will be Chinese, although Chinese form 98% of the population.

(b) at the qualifications required for members and electors who are

not British subjects; and (c) at the limited sphere of authority of

the Municipal Council: but the conclusion is reached that the

proposals lay a sound foundation for the new constitution and that

the "shortcomings" will be rectified in due course.

EMA

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