CONFIDENTIAL
DRAFT LETTER
To:-
JR Steele Esq
Department of Trade
1' Victoria Street
LONDON SW1
Type 1 +
From
Mr Cortazzi
Telephone No. Ext.
Department
DSR 11
Thank you for your letter of 8 June about
air services to Hong Kong and for letting me
know your Minister's reaction to your submission.
So far as the substance of the question is
concerned our view is that CPA should be given
the chance to compete on the London route.
If we take our responsibilities towards Hong Kong
seriously there is no justification for denying
them this route in perpetuity. I have no doubt
that CPA services to London would spur BA to
improve their own record. The removal of this particu-
lar grievance would also make it easier for us to
deal with the problems that anne
arpive
problem
aik balance between BA and EPA-
on the regional routes.
The best procedure for achieving this end is
largely a matter for your Department.
:
Our concern
is only that it would be seen to be fair to Hong
Kbng.
Given the wording of the Civil Aviation Act 1971
it is understandable that the Hong Kong Government
have doubts about a straight forward application
from CPA to the Civil Aviation Authority and we would
be content with the procedure put forward in your
CONFIDENTIAL
/submission
Dd 0532000 800M 5/78 HMSO Bracknell