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was desirable that this opinion should be divulged
to as few people as possible.
2.
The question of the validity of decrees absolute
of divorce made in the Internment Camp has now been
raised by Messrs. Maddin and Company, a copy of whose
letter of the 2nd May I attach for your information.
In this connection it was pointed out by the late
Colonial Secretary, Mr. Gimson, in a letter (a copy
of which was sent under cover of a savingram numbered 2 and dated the 8th January, 1946, to the Chief Civil Affairs Officer) that cases had occurred of marriages
which had been performed in the Camp in the belief
that a decree absolute had been made and later it had
been found that this was not the case. You will no doubt
ensure therefore that any proposed legislation will not
have the effect of validating any marriage,performed
in the Camp unless such marriage would have been valid if performed in accordance with the procedure required
by the Marriage Ordinance.
3.
A copy of the reply that has been sent to Messrs. Maddin
is also attached from which you will note that it is stated
that enquiries are being made and a further letter will
be sent to them in due course.
4. Since