XXXIV. In these Our Instructions the term "the Governor" shall, unless inconsistent with the context, include every person for the time being administering the Government of the Colony.
V. R.
12.-DORMANT COMMISSION.
Passed under the Royal Sign Manual and Signet, appointing the Colonial Secretary for the time being of the Colony of Hongkong, or the Senior Military Officer for the time being in Command of His Majesty's Regular Forces in the Colony, to administer the Government in the event of the death, incapacity, or absence of the Governor, and of there being no Lieutenant-Governor therein.
14th October, 1903.
EDWARD R. & I.
EDWARD THE SEVENTH, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas King, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India: To Our Colonial Secretary for the time being of Our Colony of Hongkong, or to the Senior Military Officer for the time being in command of Our Regular Forces in Our said Colony, Greeting. We do, by this Our Commission under Our Sign Manual and Signet, appoint you Our said Colonial Secretary for the time being, to administer the Government of Our Colony of Hongkong and its Dependencies, during Our pleasure, with all the powers, rights, privileges, and advantages to the same belonging or appertaining, whenever and so long as the office of Governor is vacant, or the Governor is incapable of discharging the duties of administration or is absent from the Colony and there is no Lieutenant-Governor in the Colony, or he is incapable of administering the Government thereof.
II. And if at any time when this Our Commission takes effect the office of Our said Colonial Secretary is also vacant or he is incapable or absent from the Colony, then We do appoint you, the Senior Military Officer for the time being in command of Our Regular Forces in Our said Colony, to administer the Government of Our said Colony and its Dependencies during Our pleasure, with all the powers, rights, privileges, and advantages aforesaid.
III. And We do in any such event hereby authorise, empower, and command you, Our said Colonial Secretary, or you the said Senior Military Officer, as the case may require, to exercise and perform all and singular the powers and directions contained in any Letters Patent, for