TNAG-0215-FCO40-251-Appointments-to-membership-of-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Ko-1970 — Page 131

ICONFIDENT A

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GOVERNMENT HOUSE

HONG KONG

Original at: HIKI/9

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Para(s)

Dear reste Десят

Mo 9.

12th June 1970

Further to recent correspondence on Executive Council and Legislative Council membership, ending with my letter of 5th June, I now put forward my proposals for the reconstitution of the two Councils after 30th June 1970, when the seats of all the existing members (except ex-officio members of Executive Council and the official members in the Legislative Council appointed by office) fall vacant.

Term of Appointments

2.

Official Members It is usual for all official members on both Councils to be appointed for one year, and you have already agreed my recommendation that this practice continue (your telegram No. 369 refers).

3.

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Unofficial Members As I have said

2349 previously (my telegram No. 339), the most practical

period of appointment on this occasion would be 18 months: that is to say until 31st December 1971. This will give my successor some 2 months to make up his mind about the membership he wants and this is by

no means a long period.

4.

However, a period of 1 year, until 30th June 1971, would be possible, although there are difficulties about appointing for this shorter period.

Sir Leslie Monson, KCMG, CB

CONFIDENTIAL

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