(ii)
(c)
CONFIDENTIAL
(a)
(e)
(f)
I am worried lest the examination now being carried
on by the Governor into possible functions may not be
radical enough to give the Council powers sufficient
to generate a sense of responsibility. On these grounds
it seems to me better to take a risk rather than be
cautious on what is transferred.
On franchise I agree with the danger of a Communist
take-over (see para. 8(b) of the departmental submission).
That would leave us with the dilemma of having to close
the Council down or being forced into a Macao-type
situation in which the central Government is a puppet
of the C.P.G. To reduce this risk, at any rate till we
are clearer than we are at present about the readiness of
the ordinary Chinese to take part in electoral processes,
we should keep the present franchise (para. 3(b) of
submission).
I see difficulties about automatic registration if by
this is meant that the onus is on Government to pick
out the many individuals who may be qualified within the
categories now eligible (cf. para. 3(b) of the submission)
and enter them on the register. This seems to me a
formidable obligation.
Education.
را
I agree with Mr. Laird's approach, but there will be strong
opposition from the Governor. I emphatically disagree with
Mr. Cheong-Leen's suggestion that the City District Officers
could be asked to see that school attendance is enforced.
CONFIDENTIAL
G
4
/The
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