CONFIDENTIAL
4. TO SUM UP: HONG KONG OWNERS HAVE A LARGE NUMBER OF SHIPS AND MANY MORE ON ORDER, AND THERE ARE NOT BRITISH OFFICERS AVAILABLE TO MAN THEM, NOR IS THERE ANY PROSPECT OF THIS. THEY WILL THEREFORE BE FORCED TO CONTINUE TO USE FLAGS OF CONVENIENCE UNLESS A NEW BRITISH REGISTER CAN BE DEVISED. THIS IS WHAT THIS EXERCISE IS ALL ABOUT. BUT ITS POINT OF DEPARTURE MUST BE TO PROVIDE THE OWNERS WITH LATITUDE TO EMPLOY OFFICERS WHOSE QUALIFICATION IS EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCE DEMONSTRABLY PROVED TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE HONG KONG DIRECTOR OF MARINE, RATHER THAN THEIR NATIONALITY OR THE PROVENANCE OF THEIR CERTIFICATES.
5. WE CAN DRESS THIS UP BY ASSOCIATING OFFICERS OF YOUR CHOICE WITH THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE IN EXERCISING HIS FUNCTIONS IN THIS RESPECT AS YOU SUGGEST. BUT THERE IS NO WAY ROUND THE PRINCIPLE, AS IT EMERGES FROM THE CONCRETE SITUATION WHICH THE NEW REGISTER IS INTENDED TO CONTAIN. IN CONSEQUENCE IF IT IS NOT FULLY AND WILLING ACCEPTED THE PROJECT IS A NON-STARTER. IF YOU CAN ACCEPT IT, I AM SURE WE CAN WORK OUT THE DETAILS. IF NOT, IT SEEMS A GREAT PITY, BUT WE WILL UNDERSTAND.
FCO PASS COPY TO HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE LONDON .
MACLEHOSE
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