STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
could do the job. We conclude that the differences
in the respective merits of Blair-Kerr and Briggs
are not such as would justify amendment of the
age rule. (There is also the subsidiary
consideration that to amend the age rule to
accommodate Blair-Kerr, rather than Rigby, would
evidently be unwelcome to the Hong Kong Bar
Association and Law Society.)
agree We accept your
arguments that there is even less reason to amend
the age rule on behalf of Rigby.
3.
final
A
Subject to your comments therefore,
and
provided that the Board recommends Roberts for
intend to
Colonial Secretary, we recommend the appointment
of Briggs as Chief Justice.
4. MIFT contains the text of a draft reply
from the Secretary of State to Mr De Basto. То
avoid a quarrel we see advantage in taking some
cover behind the age rule. But we must clearly
avoid pre-judging or pre-announcing the final
decision.
5. We would be grateful for your early comments.
032717 E.W.& S.,Ltd. 164m 3/67.
J
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