76
A
CONFIDENTIAL
inschent
heep at this in the descussions will DTI this week.
Sir D Watson
Wat
зари
I agree ~
HONG KONG REGISTER OF SHIPPING
1.
R Watin
13/1
D,
Crowson
ni
13/xT
Goodfello
Des
13/11
I went today with Mr Goodfellow to discuss with the DTI
their draft minute to the Prime Minister and our comments thereon.
2. It transpired that the DTI have no substantial reason for
Their main reason
refusing to give Hong Kong its own Register.
was that it would not mean very much and would not therefore be
worth it. They conceded that in some respects the transfer would
ease administration both here and in Hong Kong.
3. I suggested that, given that Hong Kong attached importance
to the change, the fact that it might not mean much was an
additional reason for agreeing. The offer on safety standards
and the reaffirmation of the right of appointing second officers
would make an attractive package if combined with the transfer
of the Register, but not without. It was not the moment to
appear merely niggling when the other half of the DTI is trying
to promote a £500 million agreement with Hong Kong.
The Assistant Secretary concerned, Mr Standen, said that
the question had not been previously considered in these terms
4.
in the Marine Division of DTI. It might be possible to reconsider.
The immediate problem was that the minute to the Prime Minister
had been approved and was probably already in No 10.
5. Mr Standen agreed, however, that he would ensure that his
masters took cognisance of these points and that they would not
reply finally to the Hong Kong Government without consulting us
further.
16.
CONFIDENTIAL
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