John Franetovich and Co. (owners) v. Ministry of Defence (The Norwhale)

Abstract

International law in general — Relation to municipallaw — Treaties — Enabling municipal legislation — Statutory provisions interpreted by reference to treaties referred to in preamble — The law of England

Jurisdiction — High Seas — Jurisdiction on High Seas — For ensuring the safety of traffic — Collisions — Salvage — Conventions for Unification of Certain Rules of Law regarding Collisions between Vessels, and Assistance and Salvage at Sea 1910 — United Kingdom Maritime Conventions Act 1911 — Giving effect to Conventions — Whether limitation period thereunder applied to action for damages following sinking of vessel — Construction of provisions by reference to Conventions — The law of England

Treaties — Interpretation — Principles and rules of interpretation — Whether provisions of municipal statute restricted by reference to context including treaties referred to in its preamble — International Conventions for Unification of Certain Rules of Law regarding Collisions between Vessels, and Assistance and Salvage at Sea 1910 — United Kingdom statute giving effect to Conventions — Maritime Conventions Act 1911 — Whether limitation period stipulated thereunder applied to action for damages following sinking of vessel — Whether restricted — The ordinary and natural meaning of words — General words — The law of England