TNAG-0352-FCO40-388-Appointments-to-judiciary-of-Hong-Kong-1972 — Page 128

Hong Kong

B.H. Socrotary of State for Foreig and Commonwoldth Affairs,

Through H.E. the Governor of Hong Kong.

28th September, 1972.

18/2

Sir.

Wo, all boing officers of the permanent and pensionable

establishment of the Judiciary in this Colony and membora of Her Majesty's Ovorzoas Judiciary are greatly disturbed by proporals of which we have become aware to offer promotion porto in the Judiciary

of this Colony to persons outside the ranks of Bor Kajesty's Ovorsons Judiciary and the Coloniul Local Service, and in particular to percona

in private legal practice in Hong Kong.

While such persons may now be eligible for much appoint-

mento under the terms of the legislation governing them, wo fool that

to make such appointments when there is clearly no lack of cuítablo

candidates from within the ranks of the Public Servico (a aumber of

whom have already acted in such posts for cubstantial periods) is a

clear and cost unfɛår violation of the terms upon which wo joined the

Sorvico, in some cases over 15 years ago, and contrary to the lettor

and spirit of the Establichmont Rogulations of this Colony. No othog

part of the Public Service of this Colony has been throatonod with

such treatment. The effect on maralo vill be dicastrous.

**

ethor

In our view if the promotion prospects of officoro aro

to be destroyed in this way, substantial monetary componention should

be paid forthwith for loss of career to (al officers of the permanent

and peni

...e ostablishment of the Jučici. r;, ad others affected,

and they should be given the opportunity to retiro, subject to giving

reasonable notico, on at least the pension that they havo oosned, at

auch time as may cuit them in the futuro, in order to cach new caroora,

following the example of other Colonial territories whích hạto attained

political independence.

辈