An Order requisitioning Indian Marine service vessels into Naval service

At the Court at Buckingham Palace,
The 5th day of August, 1914.

PRESENT,

The KING'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY IN COUNCIL.

WHEREAS there was this day read at the Board a Memorial from the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, in the words following, viz.:-

"WHEREAS it is provided in Section 6 of the Indian Marine Service Act, 1884, that in case a state of War exists between Your Majesty and any foreign Power, it shall be lawful for Your Majesty by Proclamation or Order in Council to direct that any vessel belonging to Your Majesty's Indian Marine Service and the Men and Officers from time to time serving thereon shall be under the command of the Senior Naval Officer of the Station where for the time being such ships may be:

"And, whereas it is provided that while any such vessel shall be deemed to all intents a vessel of war of the Royal Navy, and the Men and Officers from time to time serving in such vessels shall be under such Naval Discipline Act or Acts as may be in force for the time being, and subject to such Regulations as may be issued by Us with the concurrence of the Secretary of State for India in Council:

"And whereas a state of War exists between Your Majesty and the German Emperor:

"And whereas the Government of Your Majesty in India has agreed to place unreservedly at the disposal of the Naval Commander-in-Chief on the East Indies Station, Your Majesty's Indian Marine Service Vessels 'Hardinge' and 'Dufferin':

"Now therefore We beg leave to recommend that Your Majesty may be graciously pleased by Your Order in Council to direct that Your Majesty's Indian Marine Service Vessels 'Hardinge' and 'Dufferin' and the Men and Officers from time to time serving thereon shall be under the command of the Senior Naval Officer of the Station where for the time being such ships may be:

"The Secretary of State for India in Council has signified his concurrence in these proposals."

HIS MAJESTY having taken the said Memorial into consideration, was pleased, by and with the advice of His Privy Council, to approve of what is therein proposed. And the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty are to give the necessary directions herein accordingly.

ALMERIC FITZROY.