TNAG-0196-FCO40-232-Judiciary-appointments-1970 — Page 53

better and indicates strength where it is required in a Chief

Justice. He has also been reported as suitable for accelerated

promotion since 1966. In light of these reports grateful if you

would elaborate on reasons for thinking that appointment of local

the

candidate other than Rigby (an alternative would of course be

Blair-Kerr) would result in "disruption to the judiciary". We

appreciate that you are attaching weight to the undoubted risk that

ill feeling would be caused if an appointment were made which

was regarded as capricious disregard of the claims of seniority.

However, though claims of seniority must be given proper weight,

they must not be over-emphasised, particularly in case of a

Chief Justiceship. It seems to us that appointment of Chief

Justice with Rigby's evident weaknesses and limitations might

involve a greater and more lasting risk to efficient and

and their general reputation harmonious functioning of the courts/than would the passing over

of Rigby in favour of Blair-Kerr who is his junior.

for your views.

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(11516) Dd.392077 300m 10/68 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863

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24/11/69

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