TNAG-0335-FCO40-371-Visits-of-Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Commonwealth-Af-1972 — Page 83

AIR TRAFFIC RIGHTS

Earlier this year the Scandinavians revived

their request for traffic rights for Scandinavian

Air Services at Hong Kong. Hong Kong are anxious

that such rights should be granted. The Secretary

of State himself has supported the Hong Kong case

with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

However, the DTI remain opposed to the granting of

such rights because the Scandinavians can offer no

quid pro quo and it would weaken our position in

negotiating traffic rights with other countries if

we conceded them for nothing. If asked, the

Secretary of State may like to say that the

Scandinavians have now formally requested consul-

tations on the subject.

These may take place

towards the end of November. We in the FCO will

continue to do all we can to ensure that Hong Kong's

views are fully taken into account.

(885363) Dd. 896639 1,000м 8/71 St.S.