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Mr Rushford (Legal Adviser)
Reference. Copy No 1 of 2
RECEIVED IN
REGISTRY N.51
DORMANT COMMISSION HONG KONG
1.
2
Flag B Flag C
HKK 10/10
We spoke on the telephone about this yesterday.
The position is set out in detail at (2) on file HWB 10/15 attached. A copy of the Dormant Commission is at (15) on file 94003/27 attached.
3.
In 1969, when consideration was given to the future of Hong Kong, officials came to the conclusion that what- ever might happen in the Colony the Governor should remain in charge of the civil administration and therefore that the Dormant Commission should be revoked. We not propose to revive that recommendation but before proceeding with the matter I should be grateful for your view as to whether the Commission signed by King George VI is still legal. If it is, we shall need your advice later on the way in which it is revoked. If it is no longer valid then if the recommendation of officials is accepted by Ministers there will be nothing further to do (only to inform Hong Kong).
19 January 1971
Eɣania
E O Laird
Hong Kong Department
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