TNAG-0291-FCO40-327-Constitutional-development-of-Hong-Kong-1971 — Page 4

Mr Laird (Hong Kong Departmen. K 46)

HONG KONG: CONSTITUTION

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1. With reference to Sir Leslie Monson's minuto of 13 September and yours of 12 October, I see in principle no difficulty about the introduction of an unofficial majority in the Hong Kong Legislative Council, a step which would, as you and Sir Leslic appreciate, necessitate the insertion in the Letters Patent of provision giving the Governor a reserved legislative power.

2.

I cannot positively recollect a "member system" under which unofficial members of Executive Council were given some responsibility for the business of government, in a territory with a Legislative Council that was composed exclusively of nominated membors and had no elected element. Nevertheless I see, in principle no reason why such a system should not be introduced in Hong Kong although there is no prospect of including an elected element in the Legislative Council.

3. I am sending a copy of this minute to

Mr Gordon-Smith in case he has any recollections of a "member system" in a place in a state of constitutional development comparable to that of Hong Kong

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BU. 1 May 1972

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2.2.71

12 October 1971

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Mr Gordon-Smith

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Deputy Legal Adviser K 188

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