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FM FCO
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FCO TELNOS 194 AND 655 AND HONG KONG TELNO 1114: UK/THAILAND TRUNK ROUTE TALKS
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ASA
1. In July we asked you to sound out the Thai authorities regarding the possibility of Trunk Route talks in October. This request was deferred at Hong Kong's request since it was felt that an approach at that time might provide the Thais with an excuse to defer a decision on the Hong Kong/Thailand ASA at the Ministerial ASA committee to be held at the end of July. We have not yet had any feedback on the outcome of the committee, but unless Hong Kong have any difficulties, we should like to reactivate our proposals for Trunk Route talks.
2.
Since July British Airways have met with Thai International once more. You should be aware that the more liberal attitude shown by Thai in May was not carried forward into the more recent airline talks and they were opposed to any form of change of gauge facility or the addition of quote points in Vietnam unquote and quote points in Taiwan unquote to the route schedule. They remained ambivalent about the double disapproval tariff regime. Whilst the airlines agreed to meet again in six months, we do not consider that intergovernmental talks should be delayed until after a further round of airline talks. The airlines would, of course, have ample opportunity for discussion during the negotiations.
3.
We would be grateful, unless Hong Kong have any objections, if you would take informal soundings with the Thai authorities to see if they would be prepared to hold talks. If they are amenable, grateful if you could formally offer the weeks commencing 9 November or 6 December for Trunk Route talks in Thailand.
HURD
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