unconventional, she appears to have expressed the view that implementation of the present arrangements was entirely a matter for the Hong Kong Government, and that these arrangements could be considered an option in the light of Hong Kong's unique position.
4. On the legal issue, Hong Kong has indeed now repealed Section 73 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 under the Hong Kong (Legislative Powers) Order 1986 and the Hong Kong Shipping Register is now governed by the Merchant Shipping
(Registration) Ordinance 1990.
5.
As far as the approach from Fragrant Harbour Publications is concerned, I would not propose to comment on the remarks attributed to the Director of Marine (who was closely involved in the process of setting up The Register) on page two of the article. You will see from the attached copy of / the full text of the Director of Marine's letter to the South
China Morning Post of 18 December 1990 that he had, in fact, given a full account to the Hong Kong public of proposed arrangements for the Shipping Register, including of course the flagging arrangement.
6. I hope the above is of use to you.
Yours fincerely
Panele dage валила
P A Major (Ms)
Hong Kong Department