CO129-594-7 Proposed legislation to regularise registration of births- marriages and deaths in Stanley internment camp during... 16-10-1945 - 19-12-1946 — Page 16

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20th November, I feel it may be desirable and, perhaps, virtually essential to validate decrees absolute. As regards decrees nisi which, pre- sumably, eeenot have been made absolute, there are greater objections in principle to validating proceedings conducted in the prevailing circumstances, and I feel that probably the appropriate course is to take no action except to inform the parties of

the doubts that are entertained.

3. As I have already said it is important that no legislative action affecting the present status of the persons concerned should be taken without in- forming everyone of them and what is proposed and giving them an opportunity to make representations. Please pass the draft despatch through Mr.

Mervyn Jones.

26th November, 1946.

Achon taker

We must, of course, send an aswer without further delay to the letter on 53528/330.

We should,|

I think, apologise for the delay and regret that we

are not in a position yet to furnish a reply, reging

their enquiry raises difficult points which are still under consideration in correspondence with the

Governor of Hong Kong.

I think it might be as well for me to offer to discuss the position with them if they would like

I can explain to send a representative to see me.

much better in conversation and should explore the possibility of their clients now asking for a decree absolute in the Hong Kong Courts if he or she is anxious to get the matter settled quickly.

27th November, 1946.

REO