CO129-592-8 Future Policy in Hong Kong 1-1-1945 - 26-11-1945 — Page 132

1302

SECRET

1. At a meeting held on May day with representatives

of the China Association (Mesars. Morse and Swire) the Hang

Kong Planning Unit (Mr. MacDougall) and the Colonial

Office (Mr. Gent, Mr. Paskin, Mr. Mayle, Miss Ruston) the

question was raised as to the possibility of a more

liberal form of Government in Hong Kong after the

Colony had been reoccupied and "settled down".

2. The conception was that, a large measure of

government might be vested in a Municipal Council.

matters which it was suggested would be appropriate to

the responsibilities of such a Council were:

3.

Local Goverment,

Certain, land acquisition rights,

Housing,

Medical Services,

Sanitation,

Poor Relief,

Public Analyst's Department,

Certain aspects of education,

particularly Technical Schools,

Certain Public Works,

Local Finance

Matters which must be reserved for the Central

Some

Government would be Defence, Foreign Affairs and Finance.

The following would also be appropriate:

·

Administration of Justice,

Police,

Prisons,

Labour,

Registrar General's office,

Fisheries,

Some Public Works.

4*