1/1
TOP SECRET Dory No. I destroyed.
Copy No 1 of 2
Mr Wilfor
Sir L Monson
Mr Logay &19.
Mr Graham
HONG KONG
1.
12.1.72
Aqueed. A.R
DORMANT COMMISSION
In 1951, at a time when Hong Kong was within the theatre
A
of the Korean war,
a Dormant Commission was issued to the
B
Commander British Forces, Hong Kong (CBF).
The Commission was
intended to come into operation in the event of an emergency, and then only when it had become clear that the situation was such that the CBF should assume overall command, both civil and
A background note is attached.
military.
2.
In the light of the developments summarised in the attached note both Sir David Trench and Sir Murray MacLehose have
recommended that the Dormant Commission be cancelled.
The
Ministry of Defence agree that the Commission no longer serves
a useful purpose and should be terminated.
Defence Department also concur.
I support that view.
3. The Legal Adviser considers that we should act on the basis that the Dormant Commission signed by King George VI is still
effective.
If therefore the recommendation in this submission
is approved it will be necessary to submit advice to The
Queen that the Commission be terminated.
7 January 1972
Examina
Па
E O Laird
Hong Kong Department
TOP SECRET