TNAG-0347-FCO40-383-Dormant-Commission-for-Commander-of-British-Forces-in-Hong-K-1972 — Page 38

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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

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