PRIME
MON
MINISTER
10 Downing Street Whitehall
2 October, 1973.
LAST
Rff
10
HK4D.
REF.
P656.
PA
3/10
4:
The Prime Minister has asked me to thank you for your letter of 19 September about the growth of the Hong Kong shipping fleet. Your estimate of the expansion of the World-Wide Shipping Group is indeed striking, and an example of successful enterprise based on the British colony of Hong Kong.
As you know, officials of the British and Hong Kong Governments have been discussing the setting up of a new shipping register which would enable you and other Hong Kong shipowners to transfer a substantial proportion of your tonnage to Hong Kong. You will also know that a U.K. team will shortly be going to Hong Kong to examine in detail the conditions which might apply to such a register. The Prime Minister looks forward to hearing the outcome of this study.
Mr. Y.K. Pao
M. F. FORRESTER