TNAG-0050-FCO40-86-Disturbances-essential-food-supplies-1968 — Page 5

The pain't about alternative ment supplies was dealt with in paragraph I of our Saving despatch 109 of as September at folio 17, while (6) which developed into a sugqueshon that a Hong Kong expert should came to Britain for amenth for training in the planning of emergency foodsupplies wardropped, as not being feasible. On (c), the shipment of tinned meat from U.k, it

appears

that this was never resolved, (the MAFF had

agreed to look who it). Although the inpart of food from China appeare to be relatively normal, I wonder

, I wonder whether

precaution, we should ask the

an a

MAFF for a final

answer.

Slave

Mr.Glover

dalulon

This is a useful report

but slightly depressing in view of the extent to which it is revealed that the Communists control the existing distribution channels of food and are able to influence prices. This means that in an emergency the Hong Kong Government will almost certainly have to organise alternative distributive channels as well as procurement from other sources. It is good to see that planning for this eventuality is already in train in the Food Distribution Planning Committee (para 7 (b) of the Report).

2.

То

With reference to para 24 of the Report you will recall recent correspondence from Bangkok indicating that the attempts to diversify sources. of supply may be unduly affecting the level of rice imports from Thailand with possible undesirable consequences on the attitude of the Thais. obtain "traditional market" treatment in Thailand (or anywhere else for that matter) it would seem necessary for Hong Kong to maintain a regular and high level of imports from the source concerned.

/But