TNAG-2308-FCO40-3345-Future-of-Hong-Kong-shipping-register-1991 — Page 77

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

Main Building Whitehall London SW1A 2HB

Telephone: (Direct Dialling) 01-218

(Switchboard) 01-218 9000

мое

Your reference

Po 2815.

FCO

Hong Kong Department

Our reference

Whitehall

London

SW1A 2HB

HKC 175/1

D/Sec (NS) 81/3/19

Date

21 May 1991

22

I refer to my letter of 18 April 1991 concerning the correct Ensign to be worn by vessels registered on the Hong Kong shipping register.

I have now received the attached enquiry from the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club whose members are currently permitted to wear a Defaced Blue Ensign. It would appear that it has now become improper, if not illegal, for these vessels to display any flag other than those required under the new legislation.

This requirement, coupled with the repeal of Section 73 of the Merchant Shipping Act will, presumably, render any warrant granting special ensign privileges useless.

I would be grateful if you would consider this matter in conjunction with my earlier letter and let me have your comments accordingly. I should point out that further complications are likely to arise when members of the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) who are serving on vessels registered in Hong Kong realise that they are no longer able to wear the Blue Ensign. It is, after all, their flag.

Neke

Mr Sainty

NIGEL CLOKE

Secretariat (Naval Staff) b

I think we shall have to consult HK again

Since

this it

matter o

HK law.

Please write faxing these enclosures and Clio (23

for 2015

Letter

Letter ant

31/5

to CAB