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and Panamanian) to Hong Kong. His professed reasons
were patriotism. The Prime Minister instructed the
DTI offici to look into the question.
4.
The proposal was warmly welcomed by the Hong Kong
Government who had already been giving some thought to
this question. They too saw prestige in enlarging the
Hong Kong register and did not like the fact that
virtually the entire Hong Kong owned fleet should be
registered overseas. The establishment of a Hong Long
Register would also satisfy some of Hong Kong's desire
for greater control over her own affairs.
It is very
unlikely that that a Hong Kong Register would bring any
direct financial advantage as, in order to be
competitive, registration fees will need to be minimal
and the cost of maintaining a register (supervisors, examination centres etc.) may well or a deficit.
However, there will be economic advantage not only in
the prestige but also in the ancilliary services which
can be supplied by Hong Kong manufacturers.
enfail
5. The DTI have now been looking into the matter for
about 18 months.
Line to Take
6.
Mr Blaker may assure Mr Y K Pab
of
FCO support
or the establishment of a separate Hong Kong Register.
Unless it is clear that the Governor has taken
Mr Y K Pab into his confidence and shown him the draft
DII report it will probably be best not to be drawn intc
discussion of the details of the current proposals.
Mr Blaker may like to reaffirm that the DTI are looking
at the proposal favourably but need to resolve certain
/difficulties
(17865) Dd.145178 400m 5/73 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863
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CONFIDENTIAL