(ST
It is unfortunate that the conclusions reached are so emphatically against the proposals, Being fax renoved £rca the U.K., doubtlesa the practical difficulties experienced in achinistering our Merchant Shipping legislation are not fully appreciated, and whilst the establicmuont of a Hong Kong register, and e zelaxation in manning requiremonta uight suggest benefits accruing solely to the chipowners, this is hardly the case. Taking the issue of dispensations as en example, this is à device, no less, which we have been forced to fall back on, time and time again, in order to meet various legal obligations, but only to the extent of making a mockery of our shipping logislation. Again rigid application of the rules relating to British type approval of materials etc. operates completely to the disadvantage of cimers building vessels in the area for Hong Kong registry, So far as the potential tonnage associated with a separate register is in the order of 15/20 million tons, it follows I feel, that dus cognizance must be paid to the needs of our local shipowners, and accepting V.E. shipowners not reacting unfavourably, than your recœmendationa could only be related to a possibility that officers ascociaticas night raise cbjections.
If BO then by no stretch of the imagination can such objections be held valid, and it is felt that a position should be attained, where a soparate Bong Kong registry is available for those shipomaze who wish to register their vessels in the Colony, on terus not quite so demanding as at present, such terms being largely dictated by U.K.. Whether QE NOS advantages would accrue by so doing, would be for decision- making on the, part of the shipowners involved.
The questionnaire has been answered in a separate dosumant, a copy of which is attached.
c.c. Non. C.5.
Foreign & Commonrealth Office
Yours faithfully,
(A. Fletchez) Director of Marine.