TNAG-0499-FCO40-564-Administration-of-justice-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 14

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Argument

6.

It could be argued, in light of this, that we ought to ask the Governor to reconsider his position. However, the form of address for District Judges in Hong Kong is essentially something for the Hong Kong Government to decide; and it would be difficult to put the point to the Governor in such a way as to make him change his mind. The fact that a change might please JUSTICE is too slender a reed for us to lean on, or to justify our putting pressure on the Governor. On balance, I think we should support the Governor in his view that the status quo should be maintained.

Recommendation

7.

I recommend that we should inform the Governor of our support, by sending a Saving telegram on the lines of the attached

draft.

8.

The Department's legal adviser does not dissent from this

submission. But he asked that it should be submitted through the Legal Adviser.

DC Sh

A C Stuart

Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Dept.

25 November 1974

I accept that thei i

The main of

the

a

local matter on which

Govenor should prevail. Never there

公

I have considerable sympathis der the chief quotie's

and would prefer that District' quasel

Moboval

should be given the style "Nil Nomair" for all

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cutside cox as well as in cand.

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mom Gram

26/11

The