TNAG-0316-FCO40-352-Reform-of-local-government-of-Hong-Kong-1971 — Page 99

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W(B)L 51-7406

h

Kry event we Weve been informed I since the receipt of

the cita chest

deen) that it sits befense of the complicted legal fragting invilford it wil not

be possible to bring the pools with effect before 1973.

Apart from the arguments advanced by the

Governor in favour of this approach, there

is always the danger that an extension of

the franchise might lead to attempts by the

local Communists in a politically apathetic

community to gain substantial influence

in the Council

10. It is almost certain that the Governor's

proposals will meet with a hostile reception

from the present Unofficial Members of the

Urban Council. This seems inevitable when the

thon put forward by proposals are compared with what the Urban

themselves Councillors would thus bike to see implemented.

But despite this and despite the possibility

of adverse reports in the local press, it is Seems

aning most likely that in the case of the better

lord

informed section of the Hong Kong community

15cume

Canticus there will be general relief at the eurious

approach to the problem, whilst the bulk of the

population are unlikely to evince much interest

in the matt

RECOMMENDATION

17. Despite the disappointing restricted nature

of

the additional functions to be accorded to

the Urban Council under the Governor's

proposals, the new financial arrangements

envisaged will at least give the Council an

C Council

opportunity of seeing whether ther/can and will

/can

face up to responsibility in the efficient

دان

performance of their proper functions.

accordingly recommend that we address the

Acting Governor in terms of the attached draft

Before the despatch (es) Saving Despatch. Alternatively, you may wish

to take the opportunity of the Governor's

presence in London to discuss the proposals

with him.

· 7 -

(145181) Dd. 737490 750M 1/71 Hw.

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