CONFIDENTIAL
Mr. Lane PS/Minister for Aerospace &
Shipping.
d. Head
0.0.
4
6/9
R,
PS/PUSS A & S PS/Sec A & S
Mr. Hubback Dep Sec.
Mr. Hanson S.G,
Mr, Standen MAR 1 Mr. Madigan MAR 4 Mr. Frost SP
Mr. Goodfellow FCO Mr. Hunt MAR 1
85
100
78
HONG KONG REGISTER OF SHIPPING
In his letter of 29.8.73 Lord Bridges asked when, during the recess, a public announcement is expected to be made on this subject as forecast in a letter of 30 July to No. 10; he asks for a reply by 10 September. I am due to meet the seafaring unions on that day and it may be a few days after that before we can decide about a public announcement. I therefore favour answering No. 10 as soon as possible in the hope that they will stop pressing us for a few weeks. I should also like to take the opportunity of letting Lord Bridges see what the Hong Kong newspapers have leaked about Mr. Pau's contacts with the P.M.
89 Accordingly, I suggest a reply as in the attached draft, enclosing
copies of the press cuttings (also attached). Would you kindly show this to the Minister today and we can then have a word about it when we meet at 2.50 p.m. tomorrow, 4 September.
5.M. ARCHER
MAR 3.0.73
€