CONFIDENTIAL
1
3.
6.
Outside Appointments:
7.
8.
9.
the Chief Justice does not favour
appointments from the UK, but thinks that if the retiring age is raised and pension arrangements adjusted, there might be good local candidates.
Experience in Civil Cases: the Chief Justice rejects Justice's allegation that judges do not have sufficientl civil experience.
Confidence in the Judicial System: both the Chief Justice and the Governor reject the attacks by Justice.
Visiting team of Lawyers: the Governor is firmly opposted
to this.
Mr Rushford and I believe we must accept the broad lines of Hong Kong's reply. I also agree that we should not submit any letter from Lord Goronwy-Roberts to Lord Gardiner until after the discussion which Sir Vincent Evans will have with the Governor in June. (This is not yet in the Governor's programme but is being 'included.) Your talks can therefore be exploratory.
22 May 1974
CC
Mr Youde
Mr Rushford
Bir V Evans
CONFI DENTILAL
A C Stuart
Hong Kong & Indian Ocean
Dept.