Mr. Carter
CONFIDENTIAL
14
RECEIVED IN
REGISTRY No. 51
- 2 JUL 1969
Discussions during Lord Shepherd's Visit
to Hong Kong June 1969
CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE
There was some discussion of this with the Governor
and the Attorney-General in Lord Shepherd's presence.
2.
Lord Shepherd said that he was opposed to legislation being brought into effect only on the Governor's judgement since this implied a political factor.
3.
It was apparent that Hong Kong were not convinced by our arguments. They believed that our original Savingram was based on a misreading of the law. The Attorney-General said that while in the UK the judge had power to clear the courts under the common law,
there was some doubt whether
this obtained in Hong Kong. Moreover magistrates had been
chased from the buildings, not only the courts, during the
recent disturbances.
4.
It was left that we would inform the Legal Advisers of Hong Kong's continuing doubts after my return and that the Attorney-General would attempt to resolve the matter with them during his forthcoming leave in August.
In the meantime
They
would
not reply to on latest communication.
Tokorl
(J. O. Moreton)
2 July 1969.
1+KK 149 1.. Gary/mara.
R&R.
ANO 2.7.69.
24
CONFIDENTIAL