1 In Clawday
Mr Laird
Original at: Ne
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This Copy for :
*: KC 204/27/06
Information only/Action on Para(s)
VACANCIES FOR PUISNE JUDGES IN HONG KONG
(12)
The Chief Justice of Hong Kong, Sir Ivo Rigby, called on me today and we discussed the filling of the vacancies referred to in FCO telegram at folio 13 on HKK.14/14. It appears that the receipt of our telegram with its emphasis on ability as opposed to seniority caused the authorities in Hong Kong to re-examine the field. I understand from Sir Ivo that we are likely to receive a reply from Hong Kong suggesting the appointment not of Mr Morley-John or of Mr Cons but of another District Judge, Mr P E Leonard who, though junior in service to
Mr Morley-John, is regarded by Sir Ivo and by the Attorney-General as abler than either Mr Morley-John or Mr Cons. Mr Leonard has been a District Judge for about 18 months and prior to that was Crown Solicitor a post in the Attorney- General's Chambers which, I believe, is regarded as equivalent in seniority to that of District Judge. Would you please ask your department to get together the files that we shall require for the purpose of considering the anticipated reply from Hong Kong. The only file in the attached bunch that appears relevant is HKK.14/14. We shall need the promotions files of Messrs Morley-John, Cons and Leonard and also the file containing the Governor's original despatch relating to the filling of these vacancies, which would appear to be RC.209/77/04.
17 June 1971
Copies to:
Mr Rushford
Mr Fifoot
STANG IN CONFIDENCE
JCHOP
JC McPetrie