TNAG-0363-FCO40-409-Appointments-of-senior-officers-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 127

STAFF:

IN CONFIDENCE

. 2.

Governor evidently considers (with some qualifications) that

Briggs could do the job and, what is important, the previous

assessment (of Sir I Rigby) that Briggs would be a disaster is

now countered by the opinions of Messrs Roberts and Sneath, and

of the Colonial Secretary. I do not think Briggs is an ideal

candidate.

But, having regard to the considerations in paragraphs

4 and 6 of telegram No 114, my conclusion is that the differences

in the respective merits of Blair-Kerr and Briggs are not such as

would justify amendment of the age rule and I would therefore

recommend the appointment of Briggs as Chief Justice in succession

to Sir I Rigby.

5.

It follows that I would not wish to maintain my caveat on

the consideration of the appointment of Mr Roberts to the Chief

Secretaryship.

Vincent Evan

Vincent Evans Legal Adviser

30 January 1973

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STAFF: IN CONFIDENCE

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