from the ITWF resolution there is strong feeling on their
part. We understand that they are particularly concerned about the rates of pay for crews of ships transferred to a new Hong Kong register and it might be helpful if you could provide any assurance on this point.
5. There seems little point in undertaking a further
round of discussions, however, unless we know that the Hong Kong shipowners are willing to proceed on the basis- of our revised proposals. We would therefore appreciate an indication of their reactions and, in particular, an estimate of the amount of gross tonnage likely to be transferred to a Hong Kong register on these conditions. We very much hope that any press leaks can be avoided pending discussion with both sides of the shipping industry
here.