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post of Colonial Secretary. It concluded that Mr Roberts was
the candidate best qualified for the appointment.
6.
The Legal Adviser has also reconsidered the question of
the appointment of a successor to the present Chief Justice,
Hong Kong (Sir Vincent Evans' minute of 30 January). He has
concluded that the earlier recommendation and approval should
not stand in the way of Mr Roberts' appointment as Colonial
Secretary.
7.
Meanwhile the Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association
and others have independently written and telegraphed to the
Secretary of State to propose that Sir Ivo Rigby's term of
office as Chief Justice of Hong Kong should be extended.
8. Mr Roberts is undoubtedly the outstanding candidate for
both posts. He has excellent allround qualities, including
administrative ability and political sense combined with his
professional background. His curriculum vitae is attached.
The Governor has advised that he should be appointed Colonial
Secretary rather than Chief Justice. All those who have been
consulted agree.
9. Before any decision to this effect is conveyed to Mr Roberts,
however, and before another nomination can be submitted for Chief
Justice, we must ask if The Queen agrees to vary her approval of
the appointment of Mr Roberts to the latter post.
Protocol and
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