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(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
On these grounds to generate a sense of responsibility.
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 lcave 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.
formidable obligation.
(ii) Education.
This seems to me a
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.
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