Mr. Wilford
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The Requisitioning of Ships Order, 1969
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Problem
In 1955 Prerogative powers were invoked by way of the
Requisitioning of Ships Order, 1955, to provide for the requisitioning
of British ships for the evacuation of Hong Kong in the event of an
emergency. The Order was brought up to date by the Requisitioning
of Ships (Amendment) Order, 1958, but is now again out of date and
it is considered that both the original Order and the amending Order
should be revoked and replaced by a fresh Order.
Recommendation
2.
I recommend that the attached draft Requisitioning of Ships
Order, 1969, be submitted to the Privy Council, together with a
separate Order (the draft of which is also attached) revoking the
Order of 1955 and the amending Order of 1958. The Ministry of
Defence and the Board of Trade agree.
Background
3. From the early 1950's until the beginning of 1968 plans were
held in readiness for requisitioning shipping for the evacuation of
Hong Kong in the event of an emergency. The necessary powers
were originally provided under United Kingdom Defence Regulations,
but in 1955 those Regulations lapsed and the Royal Prerogative was
then invoked by way of an Order in Council (The Requisitioning of
Ships Order, 1955), which took power to requisition British ships
wherever they might be, for the same purpose.
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14.