1. Tonnage might be attracted to Hong Kong separate
register from companies the real control of which lay outside
the Colony. These will be very difficult to control and
could engage in politically undesirable trading.
2. The creation of a block of tonnage under the Red Ensign
believed, however wrongly, to have lower standards, could
have repercussions for all British ships. The unions might
use the change as justification for treatment of Hong Kong
registered ships as flag of convenience and press for ITF
rates of pay which could extend to all Hong Kong seamen on
British ships.
3. A separate register with increased tonnage could result
in a serious shortage of Hong Kong resident seamen,
44.
Increased attraction of Hong Kong register, unless
effectively restricted to Hong Kong residents, could lead to
flight of western-owned ships from other registers and
increased competition for UK ships which might be prevented
from taking advantage. On other hand if UK ships permitted
to take advantage this might lead to flight from UK register.
These points are drawn to your attention for what they are
worth, Appreciate that some of them may be seen by Hong Kong
Government as argument in favour rather than against separate
register but could be useful to you to know kind of views
held in some circles in UK.
Look forward to hearing from you on Hong Kong shipowners
reactions to your paper.
Je Munisti i
A
execrats before
th
there should be availante
anscious that there
2
and 51 bu mouth as indicated in the 'Asramor's blegan XI Mate No 467
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