TNAG-0499-FCO40-564-Administration-of-justice-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 109

CHIEF JUSTICE'S CHAMBERS

COURTS OF JUSTICE

HONG KONG.

*

5th November, 1973.

26/2

Ref. A/6/3/4.

A.R. Rushford, Esq., C.M.G., Foreign and Commonwealth Office,

Downing Street,

LONDON, S.W.1.

My dem I'm

Yep!

Tha

NICK 14/21

Informain day/Action on Para(s)

As you know, Gerald de Basto is about to become a District Court Judge. He is in the state referred to in the well-known hymn of "Fearing to launch away", and while in that state he is trying to get the best terms possible.

One matter he has raised is the title of District Court Judges. At present District Court Judges do not appear in the Precedence List although Justices of the Peace do. What Gerald wants is that this position should be rectified and, at the same time, that District Court Judges should be addressed as "His Honour" both in and out of Court. In a private letter to me, he stated that he had reason to believe that there would be no objection to this in London. Can you tell me whether this is true or not? I have consulted the District Court Judges themselves and they do not care a hoot.

I hope your Mama is well.

With best wishes.

вели

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