CO537-6046 — Page 223

54145/4/50

Pol.108/41/A

The Church House,

2

Great Smith Street,

S. W. 1.

31 January, 1950

Dear bledbury,

Will you please refer to the correspondence between us about constitutional reform in Hong Kong.

We have now received from the Governor a despatch, (a copy of which I enclose) forwarding a petition from the Hong Kong Indian community asking that provision be made in the proposed reconstituted Legislative Council for an elected member to represent them.

This approach is perhaps not altogether unexpected and as you see the Governor adheres to the view that such special representation would be both unnecessary and undesirable. Though no decision has yet been taken, it is unlikely, I think, that the Indian request will be acceded to. We shall of course keep you informed of developments.

· Yours sincerely,

(gd) R. E. Radford

(R. E. Radford)

41

t

F. H. CLEOBURY, ES..

IONS OFFICE.

COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS OFFICE.