TNAG-0327-FCO40-363-History-of-constitution-of-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1972 — Page 73

Tel: H-237011

Dodwell & Co., Ltd. Hong Kong

Dear Sir Murray,

May 22, 1972

PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL

Following our discussion on May 11th, I have spoken informally to senior colleagues in the Chamber about your desire to cease inviting a nomination from the Chamber to the Legislative Council, although you forsee that you and your successors will continue to appoint a member of the Chamber to the Council.

Personally, I am not opposed to your wishes in this matter nor to your feeling that this is best handled quietly. But it is the latter point in particular that causes me some difficulty.

Apart from the war, for 89 years we have made a nomination. Our members are very proud of this fact and consider it one of the strengths of the Chamber.

I am enclosing a copy of the Chamber's Annual Report in 1961- our Centennial Year. a short history and on page 20 (flagged) you will see

This incorporated a reference to the Queen conferring the privilege of nomination on the Chamber. A copy of the minutes of a meeting to decide the first nomination is attached. It seems clear that this was a privilege in the past and we have no record of it having been withdrawn.

In these circumstances I, and the General Committee, may have a duty to inform all our members of the suggested change.

I would be grateful if you could spare some time to talk to me again about this, so I may be

Cont'd.