CODE 18-77

Reference....

72.

Miss Brooks,

Legal Counsellor

HKB 01215

1500. 993

HONG KONG:

1.

Mr Dave

Plr would

you

fox and

ст

ila

druft the submission

to Mr Grochland and ako chop a short

lette to Mr McLeish advising hum ofour intertia's, and I thuril asking for sme frith details and background (there the fubrusssion will be rather thin).

R 1910.

AMENDMENT TO LAW ON DIVORCE

I attach a telegram from Hong Kong in which they request, in accordance with their own regulations, clearance from the Secretary of State before they commence drafting amendments to the Law on Divorce. It appears that their regulations require this for any of the Bills falling within the categories specified in Clause XXVI of the Royal Instructions.

2. This request comes as something of a surprise as we have not been asked to give similar clearance to other Bills falling within Clause XXVI. The usual procedure is for HKG to draft the legislation without reference to us, but to seek the Secretary of State's approval for the Governor to assent to the Bill.

3.

As HKG's request arises from their own own regulations, I do not think we need trouble the Secretary of State at this stage. Do you agree that it would be sufficient for officials or possibly Mr Goodlad to give Hong Kong clearance to proceed with the drafting?

Ben

windy

NC G Whitney

HONG KONG DEPARTMENT WH304

270 2651

18 October 1993

Nw Withey HAD

What you propose un paragraph 3

acceptible (please

(please see

153, from Garner's

side

should be

attached relevant pape, pafe Admins nature haw"). To err on perhaps Nir Goodland should agree,

несепату.

the safe Though this is probably not explain what we are dome to Hang Kory:

I

suggest we

Shock, 18/10

Page 105Page 106

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