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SUBMISSION
The Secretary of State
HONG KONG - DORMANT COMMISSION
1. In 1951, at a time when Hong Kong was within
the theatre of the Korean war, a Dormant Commission
was issued to the Commander British Forces, Hong
Kong (CBF). The Commission was intended to
come into operation in the event of the occurrence
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 military. A background note is
attached.
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.
I support that view.
3. Legal Advisers consider 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,
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