British companies through sheer competence.
Finally, you acknowledged that the work of the Group in Hong Kong would need to be matched by a corresponding effort in the UK. You were discussing the position with the Chairman of the BOTB Hong Kong Trade Advisory Group and intended to examine the arrange- ments for encouraging inward buying missions. You referred to the suggestion that had been made by the Governor that there should be an officer in the Department charged with promoting trade with Hong Kong. As had been explained, there was little prospect of meeting this request, given the restrictions placed on staff num- bers, but you had it in mind to send the appropriate CRE officer to Hong Kong for a visit to extend his range of contacts.
Shipping
In the course of the meeting, Mr Clinton Davis joined those present. Following a general discussion about the prospects for the Hong Kong economy, he raised the question of a flag register for the colony. The Governor confirmed that little progress had been made. He did not believe that Hong Kong stood to gain a great deal from the creation of a separate register. The main pressure came from shipowners who wished to have the opportunity of participating in the international fora. If HMG concluded that UK legislation was ready for amendment, Hong Kong could provide a useful testing ground for new regulations. Otherwise, he saw little of attraction in the proposal for the UK.
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A C HUTTON PS/SOS(T) Rm 812 V/S Ext 5525
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December 1976