CO537-6046 — Page 316

Pir Hall

these pps.

As directed by Mr Side bothom, I submit

for consu. by Higher Authority.

J.J. Andersm

8/6

The Governor is due in the United Kingdom on leave on the 15th of June. I would suggest that the points made in the previous minutes are discussed with Sir A. Grantham before the case is again submitted to the Secretary of State. The Central People's Government's attitude towards Hong Kong is hardening and whereas previously Hong Kong was hardly mentioned it is now coming into the fore. The Hong Kong garrison has been reduced whereas owing to further C.P. Government successes and Nationalist withdrawals, the Communists now have quite large forces available for a quick attack on the Colony and our probable period of warning is now much less.

In the circumstances it appears to me that the Governor should be asked consulted about the following points.

(a)

whether there is a real desire for

constitutional reform in the Colony

(b) whether this is an appropriate time for

such changes

(c)

and (d)

the size of the unofficial majority

the use of reserve powers.

Hotell

6th June, 1950.