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CHAPTER 9
Requisition
9.
9.1.
Though we did not refer to the subject of ·
requisition of merchant vessels by the sovereign power
in the event of a national emergency, the Hong Kong
Shipowners Association has raised the subject in its
response to the Consultative Document.
9.2.
It is right, therefore, that the subject
should be tackled here, (though not in the second stage
consultative document).
9.3.
The power to requisition ships on its register
(to which a genuine link has been established as a
condition for registry) may be regarded as a right of
the sovereign power. It does not derive from Merchant
Shipping Legislation. The Hong Kong Government believes
that it is unrealistic to expect the British Government
before 1997, or the Chinese Government after 1997, to
relinquish this sovereign right.
9.4.
The establishment of an autonomous Hong Kong
register concerned as it is largely with maritime
legislation and procedures, will do nothing to change
the sovereign rights of requisition.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.