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CONFIDENTIAL
4.
comments.
In January this year we received Hong Kong's long delayed
These suggested that there was no need for fundamental
changes, other than the creation of a separate Court of Appeal.
5.
The
Some of JUSTICE's complaints do seem to have been adopted
rather uncritically from Barristers in Hong Kong, one of whose main
concerns is to enhance the status of their own profession.
Governor's reply provides a complete answer in some respects.
Nevertheless, while there does not appear to be any serious ground for
criticism, there are certain aspects of the matter in which we think
there is scope for improvement. Sir Duncan Watson, the Department's
legal adviser and I have recently discussed the whole question with
Hong Kong's Attorney-General, Mr Hobley, who is in the UK on leave.
Mr Hobley agreed that there were a number of useful measures that
should be further considered.
6.
We are writing to the Governor about these measures and
will submit to the Minister in the light of his reply. But Lord
Gardiner may well wonder what is happening about his representations.
Lord Goronwy-Roberts may therefore wish to let Lord Gardiner know that
he is aware of his interest and will be getting in touch with him again.
I accordingly recommend that Lord Goronwy-Roberts should write to
Lord Gardiner on the lines of the attached draft.
7.
The Department's legal adviser agrees.
25 April 1974
CC
Sir D Watson o.r. Mr Rushford
CONFIDENTIAL
A C Stuart
Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Dept.
Sir D. Walion
Julyül
A