TNAG-0700-FCO40-852-Appointment-of-District-and-High-Court-Judges-in-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 84

CODE 18-77

R ESTRICTED STAFF IN CONFIDENCE

Mr Rushford

Legal Advisers

Reference. .HKA3.73/.3.9574

RECEIVED IN TASTY NO. 51 1 6 MAR 1978

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

TRY

PA

encos Taken

HONG KONG: JUDICIAL APPOINT ENTS

No

P.P2

1. We now have three people who have expressed a keen interest in High Court Judgeships in Hong Kong: Renn Davis CJ, Sir Georges Souyave and Mr Justice Wheeler. Both Davis and Wheeler have been in contact with Briggs CJ. Sir Georges sees the writing on the

wall in the New Hebrides. 1.

2. It is for consideration whether we should not now write

not creoloctaed to Hong Kong to ensure that these three are qua when consideration is given to filling the next vacancy. As far as I can see Davis's claim is the most worthy, being the most long-standing and since it would be a transfer rather than a contract appointment. Wheeler is not in the Dependent Territories 'circuit'. Sir Georges' knighthood may be a stumbling block to

an appointment to Hong Kong.

3. Perhaps a personal letter from you to Sir G Briggs would be best. The prospects of getting even one of these three into Hong Kong must be considered slim, as I cannot see there being more than three or at the most four vacancies in the next 18 months and resistance to outsiders filling any of these will be very strong. If you do decide to write, and require CVs to send with the letter, I can arrange to have these prepared. I

attach the files so that you may see recent exchanges.

17. February 1978

LAS:

R:

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NF GREEN

Hong Kong & General Dept

K272

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H.R.12

20.2.