CODE 18-77
R ESTRICTED STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
Mr Rushford
Legal Advisers
Reference. .HKA3.73/.3.9574
RECEIVED IN TASTY NO. 51 1 6 MAR 1978
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
TRY
PA
encos Taken
HONG KONG: JUDICIAL APPOINT ENTS
No
P.P2
1. We now have three people who have expressed a keen interest in High Court Judgeships in Hong Kong: Renn Davis CJ, Sir Georges Souyave and Mr Justice Wheeler. Both Davis and Wheeler have been in contact with Briggs CJ. Sir Georges sees the writing on the
wall in the New Hebrides. 1.
2. It is for consideration whether we should not now write
not creoloctaed to Hong Kong to ensure that these three are qua when consideration is given to filling the next vacancy. As far as I can see Davis's claim is the most worthy, being the most long-standing and since it would be a transfer rather than a contract appointment. Wheeler is not in the Dependent Territories 'circuit'. Sir Georges' knighthood may be a stumbling block to
an appointment to Hong Kong.
3. Perhaps a personal letter from you to Sir G Briggs would be best. The prospects of getting even one of these three into Hong Kong must be considered slim, as I cannot see there being more than three or at the most four vacancies in the next 18 months and resistance to outsiders filling any of these will be very strong. If you do decide to write, and require CVs to send with the letter, I can arrange to have these prepared. I
attach the files so that you may see recent exchanges.
17. February 1978
LAS:
R:
R*
NF GREEN
Hong Kong & General Dept
K272
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H.R.12
20.2.