CO537-6046 — Page 104

since the last war, should be reintroduced and the number of

elected representatives possibly increased. I should also

like to see the franchise of the Urban Council extended to

include British subjects even if they do not qualify under

the provisions of Section 3 of Ordinance No. 7 of 1935.

Further, I would urge that earlier steps than were contemplated

in your despatch should be taken to devolve on the Urban Council

to the greatest extent consistent with the avoidance of over--

lapping and duplication, the real responsibility for Urban

affairs. If the basis for the appointment of members of the

Urban Council were suitably widened, there might be advantage

in associating that Council with the process for the selection

of members to the Legislative Council.

6. I need hardly stress the fact that experience in local

government work of this kind affords the best possible training

for membership of the legislative body with its wider

responsibilities, and I should hope that when replying to this

despatch you might be able to put forward constructive proposals

with the above objectives in view. So much time has already

elapsed between the publication of the "Young Plan” and the

detailed examination of the proposals submitted by you in

August 1949, that I am anxious that no undue further delay

should be incurred, more especially as the drafting work in

connection with any substantial amendment of the Constitution

cannot be undertaken in haste if it is to be done with the

care required in a matter of this importance.

7. I welcome the opportunities I have had of frank

discussion with you of these problems during your period of

leave in this country, and I trust that these discussions

will be found to have been both opportune and fruitful in

achieving more satisfactory constitutional arrangements for

Hong Kong.

Π

I have, etc.