CO537-4835 — Page 19

8/9/50

X

that in the light of

the light of experience

may

decide it

useful for the Registras

the

Governa

would

to have

K

mather

societies

affiliations

discretio

in the

refusing to register

with forengri preit.nl

Blackard

Ith wit that you shouldze 2960

mithressence to force 2 of their oft.

Jaque with their disp, and suggest that thisch chouls to hought ups in thearthston

A

amfent if necessay.

29/j.

in

I do not like the present state of affairs in China, suggesting to the Governor that he should review this matter in 6 month's time, without giving him reasons why it is thought desirable to review the provision whereby the Registrar is not given discretion in considering applications from Societies in Hong Kong connected with foreign political organisations. Moreover, it seems to me very probable, in any forseeable circumstances in Hong Kong and China in the next few years, the Governor could produce convincing reasons why the Ordinance should not be altered in this respect.

From this point of view it will be sufficient if the paper is recircula ted for consideration in the Colonial Office in a year's

time.

As regards para. 3 of the draft, if we are to say anything like this to Hong Kong we should also say something on the same lines to Singapore and Malaya. Before considering it however, I should be glad to see the provisions, ps corresponding to Section 24 of the Ordinance (if any) not only in the Singapore and Malayán Ordinance but also in the Ordinances previously in operation in Hong Kong.

In the circumstances I have deleted paras. 2 and 3 of the draft. When it has issued the

/file