CO129-492 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1925 [12] - 1926 [1-5] — Page 610

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C.11031/1926.

Paraphrase telegram from the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the Governor of Hong Kong.

(Sent 4.p.m. 15th June 1926)

590

Your telegram 29th May. Vacancies on Executive Council. I feel that proposal to appoint Chinese member requires serious consideration since if adopted it appears likely that the Colony would be committed for all time. It is possible that similar concession would be demanded in the Straits Settlements and I have thought it desirable to warn Sir L.Guillemard that the proposal is under dis-

cussion. In the meantime before I come to a decision

I should be glad if you would furnish me with information on the following points:-

(a) One of your arguments is that you feel we are bound sooner or later to concede claim to Chinese appoint- ment. But what pressure is therefor such representation and whence does the claim arise? I have no knowledge of

any serious claim to this effect.

(b) You also say that Hong Kong Chinese would derive

very great pleasure from the appointment and that even in

Canton the appointment might have a good effect. But I understand that in Hong Kong the Chinese community display

little or no interest in such matters. Moreover I feel

doubtful of the effect in Canton. I realise that

Cantonese demands have been hitherto for elective repres-

entation to Legislative Council but is there not some

ground for thinking that the appointment would be attributed,

to the boycott and that further demands would thus be

encouraged? It seems to me that it might be advisable to

let well alone especially in view of prospects of

settlement.

There

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