TNAG-0582-FCO40-715-Requisitioning-of-Ships-Order-1969-validity-of-order-need-f-1976 — Page 31

2.

shall, of course, need to consult the Governor and our legal advisers on this suggestion, but I would

be glad to have your comments on it, and

(c) While the 1969 Order gives powers in respect

of ships only, aircraft would be at least as necessary in the event on any partial evacuation of Hong Kong. I would be glad of your views, and for those of Mr Green CAZ (to whom I am copying this

letter and its enclosure) as to whether we should

seek to amend the Order to give powers to requisition aircraft. This was the subject of some correspondence between this department and the Board of Trade at the time the 1969 Order was first considered (Gaminara's letter HKK 10/8 of 12 August 1969 to Riley in the Board

and of Trade refers for example, along with Riley's reply EL/153/093 of 20 August).

It is apparent that it was decided to omit powers to requisition aircraft, as

refer

negotiation rather than requisition was felt to be the

what

most practical way of obtaining the aircraft needed.

I wonder. Whether this if

Do you consider this thinking still right)

C

2

Hr Rear doubt fing

little hesitant in that I wonder whether there would

be time for negotiation if an invasion was imminent. There might; there might not, but should not the powers

at least be available?

Glo

in the reign office, to

Mr Atkinson, M 1 &

TD and Their views, if any,

all of whose

I am copying this letter, Mr Palmer, Defence Department, to to the Head of DS 11 in the MOD would also welcome. May I have all returns, please by 11′October?

for

I should the gate fue your comments the show recificants

2.

and those

g

uxluding Cheen's

thin Heller,

on (c)e above.

DIM

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