TNAG-0291-FCO40-327-Constitutional-development-of-Hong-Kong-1971 — Page 5

CONFIDENTIAL

HKK 1/11

Reference...

10

K 246)

Mr Laird (Hong Kong Department

HONG KONG: CONSTITUTION

1.

With reference to Sir Leslie Monson's minute 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 Leslie 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 members 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.

12 October 1971

Copy to:

Mr Gordon-Smith

Sii

በ.

9 think

A.R.R.

A R Rushford

Deputy Legal Adviser K 188

there

Равовой

popes.

you

"Thank you.

14/10.

will with to se

Erana 14/4

CONFIDENTIAL