Reference
Planks for
Mr Clewley
R] 15/2
RERIVED IN RIGISTRY No.51 21 FEB 1972
14K114/0
APPOINTMENTS FROM THE BAR TO THE BENCH IN HONG KONG
1. I discussed this briefly with Mr Denys Roberts when I was in Hong Kong last week. He took the view that we should stick to the decision where it was thought desirable that there should from time to time be an appointment from the Bar to the Bench. He also thought that we should cover District Judges as well as Judges of the Supreme Court (this extension was necessary, he considered, in view of the application by Mr De Basto for appointment as a District Judge Mr De Basto had not in the event proceeded with his application).
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2. Mr Roberts is very anxious that there should be a circular explaining to Government Officers exactly what is proposed. He did not like the idea of an explanation by word of mouth which would almost certainly be misunderstood in the future. In the circumstances I agreed with him that we should consider an amended circular the object of the amendments being to safeguard the position of the Secretary of State.
3. We can now expect to receive the two petitions together with the Governor's recommendations which will, I expect, follow the views expressed to me by Mr Roberts.
18 February 1972
483 Cobain to an Служай
1 is k
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6 March.
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DD 896639 140609 500M 7/71 GM 3643/2
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