Foreign and Commonwealth Office London SW1A 2AH
G P Lloyd Esq CMG HAMILTON
Telephone 01-
Your reference
Our reference ANE 400/1
Date 26 February 1976
X
Dear Peter,
TEMPORARY ACTING GOVERNOR 。
1. Thank you for your letter of 12 February in which you explained the complications that have arisen because of coincidences between the Governor's leave and your own. A despatch designating the Attorney General or, failing him, the Chief Justice as Acting Governor is being sent.
·2·
You should, however, know that we have in the past been reluctant to designate a Chief Justice if some other suitable person (not holding judicial office) could be found. Obvious dangers present, themselves of his being involved in the discharge of executive functions that might subsequently be questioned in the courts or might in some way embroil the Chief Justice in matters incompatible with,, or embarrassing in relation to, his functions as head of the : judiciary independent of the executive Government.
3. We have, however, a high regard for Sir John Summerfield and would not wish to object to his designation as long-stop, provided that it is understood that, if he is called upon to act as Governor except for very short periods, urgent steps are taken to recall the Governor or Deputy Governor so as to relieve Sir John of his temporary duties.
Yous
Myles.
M P Preston
Conied: 15.6.78
P C Duff Esq WIAD, FCO
RESTRICTED
Caribbean Department
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