CO129-433 - Governor Sir May - 1916 [5-6] — Page 243

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system.

4.

They ask that subject to Imperial "checks and safeguards "they may be granted

(a) "the free election of representatives of British

nationality in the Legislative Council of the

colony

(b) "a majority in the Council of such elected representatives

(c) "perfect freedom of debate for the official members with power to vote according to their

conscientious convictions

(d) "complete control in the Council over local

expenditure

(e) "the management of local affairs

(f) "a consultative voice in questions of an

Imperial Character"

They quote the Colonies of Malta, Cyprus, Mauritius and British Honduras as enjoying more liberal forms of government than that under which they are themselves living at Hongkong. They lay stress upon the com- mercial energy which has raised the colony to its present

position of importance; They claim "the common right of Englishmen to manage their local affairs and control the expenditure of the colony where Imperial considera-

tions are not involved".

5. Hongkong, when 53 years ago it became a

British possession, was inhabited I understand by some 7,000 to 12,000 Chinese Squatters and fishermen. According to the census of 1891 the population in round numbers amounted to 221,400, of whom 211,000 or more

than mine tenths, were Chinese. The Europeans and

Americans numbered 8,500, and nationalities other then

Europeans