TNAG-0347-FCO40-383-Dormant-Commission-for-Commander-of-British-Forces-in-Hong-K-1972 — Page 39

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BACKGROUND NOTE

DORMANT COMMISSION FOR THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, HONG KONG

1. In June 1951, at the instance of the then Governor of Hong

Kong and with the agreement of the War Office and the Chiefs of

Staff, a Dormant Commission was issued to the Commander British

Forces, Hong Kong. The Commission (a copy of which is attached),

if and when brought into operation, would appoint the Commander

British Forces as Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Colony.

It was intended for use in the event of an emergency and at a

stage when it had become clear that the situation in the Colony

was such that the Commander British Forces should assume overall

command, both civil and military. It was the intention that

when this stage had been reached the Governor should leave Hong

Kong.

2. The Commission itself provided that it would come into operation

at a time to be appointed in writing by the Commander British

Forces, after consultation with the Governor and with the prior

approval of the Secretary of State (for the Colonies).

If in

his absolute discretion the Commander British Forces was satisfied

that it would not be practicable to obtain the prior approval

of the Secretary of State, the Commission could be brought into

operation at a time to be appointed in writing by the Commander

British Forces after consultation with the Governor.

3. The Commission has never been brought into operation, but

it is still in being and the original is in the possession of

the Commander British Forces, Hong Kong.

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