CONFIDENTIAL
Conclusion
12. The Prime Minister will wish to listen to Mr Pao's
views. He may wish to ask him to spell out in detail the
benefits of setting up a separate shipping Register in
Hong Kong and his views on the nationality and safety
requirements that he has in mind and say that HMG will give
the matter further consideration.
13. He may, however, wish to emphasise HMG's concern to
preserve the existing high standards in relation to safety,
equipment and accommodation for British registered ships,
and discourage any suggestion that a flag of convenience
might be established in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong and Indian Ocean Dept
18 May 1972
7
CONFIDENTIAL