SECRETARY OF STATE
HONG KONG
38
Page 204
Your minute of the 21st March.
The present official majority has not been used in
recent years and it is generally understood in Hong Kong
that it will only be used in the most serious circumstances,
You will remember the recent case of the proposed increase
in the defence contribution when you agreed that it could
not be used.
Although the Governor will, of course, retain ultimate
control, the unofficials attach importance to their true
position being clearly shown by their numbers on Legislative
Council.
The unofficials also want the maximum possible increase
in their number in order to widen the field from which
selection can be made.
The statement to be made in Hong Kong will show that the
present powers of the Governor remain unchanged and that the
changes are relatively small modifications within the existing
framework of government and not a Constitutional advance.
Page 204
Appḍ
bs.
2013
Lansdown.
23rd March, 1964.
Page 204
2013.
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