TNAG-0323-FCO40-359-Legislation-for-merchant-shipping-registered-in-Hong-Kong-1971 — Page 144

Ref: LEG/MS/AB

Y.K. Pao, 290,,

Governing Director,

World-de (Shipping) Ted.,

21st floor. Prince's Building.

Hong Do y

bear I. P30,

LAST

13%

MARINE DEPARTMENT.

102, CONNAUGHT ROAD. CENTRAL,

HONG C

5th May. 1071.

21

Q

Merchant Shipping Rovistry

The two meetings I have held with you and f. Eee have been most interesting. I will attempt in this letter to list the factors which you consider inhibic the awe of British registry, to define the significance of zoglutzy, and cleo to advise on hew our requirements might be met at little extra cost and inconvenience.

My recordo show that at the present time ren manage nive ships under Hong Kong registry and chine chips under London registry. Most of your ships are registered in Diloria,

Firstly, I must explain that registry under the Exitish flag comiers certain privileges, and impacts onder into operations. for the benefit of owners, masters and crewye Another acpect of registration is to determine the proper evidence of title in those who deal with the property. British registry is not used as a medium for rabing revenue.

I must also explain that Hong Kong as a deponient territory does not have its own registry lowc. Vo are an extension of the United Kingdon in this respect. As Registrar of Shipping, long kong I am subject to the jurisdiction of the Registraz General in the United Kingdm and to the Merchant Shipping Acts.

We are not in a position therefore to initiate actio, with a view to changing this situation without considerable consultation, not only with the thited Kingdca, but also with other Cathomeaich countries. I therefore now seek to advise on what short-term measures could be anplied to an omer soeking British registry, but who finds compliance with the regulations difficult.

Office Hanning

The Hong Kong Merchant. Shipping ücdinnmen lays down standards of marwing for arition vesuvia leaving this port. I think: that you are surely touched by this #equirement at yous chips 20 de Hot call here. There will undoubtedly be occasions however, whore