CO537-3703 — Page 21

D

Ŕ

C.O

Mr. Mallace 16/11/48.

Draft

TELEGRAM/

*

*SAVINGRAM

* The word Priority may be entered here, if necessary.

To:--

GOVERNOR,

HONG KONG.

File No.

54145/4/48

Reciphered

Sent.

1500

отр

hours.

18-11 194

8

Repeated to:~~

11/48.

Packn's 1741

Mr. Sidebotham

Mr..

Mr.

Sir

Permt.

of S.

Parly. U.S. of S.

S. of S.

Distribution:-

*

19.

(14)

Priority:-

Nil.

Replyorgenotype.

Importanxx Immediatex

Most Immetiate.

(70) on 1946 file

(6) on 54393/48

4 Copies to Mr. P.D. Coates,

F.

Further action:--

Recirc. to Mr. Wallace for action on his minute of 16/11.

W1. 21408/757 10m 7.48 Wa. & Co. 51/3

2

To be transmitted :-

In Gigax

Codex

Cypher O.T.P

Anid. (19)

Your telegram No. 589.

Constitutional changes.

No. 1180

Restricted

Confidentiat

Secret.

Top Secretx and Personakx

1. I should be grateful for expression of

your views as to whether, in view of situation in

China, it might not be desirable at present juncture

to go slow, or indeed to mark time, with the proposed

revision of Constitution and establishment of Municipal

Council. In this connection, considerations expressed

in paragraph 6 of Sir Mark Young's unnumbered

despatch of the 22nd October, 1946, read in the light

of present circumstances, appear to be pertinent.

2. On the other hand, political capital might

perhaps be made by Chinese Government er Sommunist

leaders out of any further delay in proceeding with

contemplated changes as already announced.

3. Several possible candidates for Town

Clerk's appointment (your telegram No. 253 refers)

are now available for interview.

4. Before proceeding further, I should wish to

learn, by telegram, with reference to paragraphs 1

and 2 above, in which direction you consider that

balance of advantage lies in light of your own

assessment of position, and to be advised whether you

/ would