M
we nave also consulted our Lawyers regarding Cloke's concern over possible
when complications bers of the Royal Naval Reserve realise that they are no longer able to wear the blue ensign when serving on ships registered in Hong Kong.
OL
Kuyal
we understand that а British merchant ship is allowea το wear the underaced Diue ensign ir the person commanding it is an officer on the active or retired lists Navy UL a commonwealln navy. whe ollicer must possess a warrant issued by the Secretary of State for Defence.
Some shipping companies may, in practice, employ such officers in circumstances where regular merchant navy officers with the appropriate qualification are not available. The warrant possessed by these officers has force or effect only on a ship registered as a British ship under the Merchant Shipping Acts. It will therefore not be valid for a ship registered under the 1990 Merchant Shipping (Registration) Ordinance, i.e. a Hong Kong registered ship with а Royal Naval Reserve Officer in command should not be permitted to fly the blue ensign.
would welcome confirmation from the Ministry OL Defence оп the above.
Members or the koyal Naval Reserve may well have sentiments against this arrangement, but I am afraid that is the legal position.
Yours ever,
Crime & a
ба
(Miss Linda K P SO)
for Secretary for Constitutional Affairs
c.c. UKREP JLG (ADIN: Mr C Garrett)
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