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4.
If the Chek Lap Kok scheme goes ahead we must devise a pattern of flight and flight control which is acceptable to the Chinese. My own view is that this means a system not significantly different from the present one. But I do not think we should get embroiled with discussion of difficult matters of "principle" at this stage. We are concerned only with establishing the practical parameters at a low working level.
5.
The purpose of this letter is to suggest, if you agree, that the Embassy in Peking should seek approval for a further round of technical discussions in November. We have delayed making this approach because of reconsideration here of doing a further feasibility study for a possible site in Deep Bay and the likelihood of the Chinese asking what our intentions were on that project. (This is covered in separate correspondence resting with my letter to you of 18 September.) Although decisions on that feasibility study are not yet firm, I do not think we should delay further the other exercise. We are sufficiently clear about our thinking on Deep Bay to explain if asked.
6.
Subject to your agreement, I suggest the Embassy should speak on the following lines:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
As the Chinese will know Hong Kong is carrying out a feasibility study of a possible replacement airport at Chek Lap Kok. No decision has yet been taken on whether to build there. This will have to await the result of the feasibility study. (If asked: the study will not be completed until late 1982/early 1983.)
Useful technical discussions about air space management were held in July in Guangzhou between the consultants advising the Hong Kong Government (and representatives of the Civil Aviation Department) and CAAC.
As envisaged at that meeting, we would find it useful to have a further round of similar technical discussions. If convenient to CAAC, we suggest that a group from Guangzhou should come here in November. We suggest two days in the week beginning 16 November or, as second choice, 23 and 24 November. If this is acceptable in principle to Peking, we can follow up details of timing etc. locally.
These discussions are purely exploratory and technical so that, on our side, the consultants can advise the Government on the feasibility of
/contd.
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11
see 13