CONFIDENTIAL
9.
6.
(ii) So far as Hong Kong registry will not be
mandatory now tonnage measurement fees should be introduced, and assessed having regard to the criteria applying at (i) above.
(iii) Generally all other extant fees relating to
items covered by those proposals should be re-assessed having particular regard to the testing and approving of materials and
.
equipment, associated with crew accommodation and safety.
Note:
These proposals are associated with realistic charges being introduced which would be sufficient to cover costs, and prove beneficial from a revenue-earning point of view.
Generally
It must again be emphasised that the current proposals are not associated with a lowering of standards, or an attempt to establish yet another flag of conveience, and the hardening of opinion in such bodies as OECD and ILO is fully appreciated. In fact it is on this last mentioned account that we might expect a good measure of support, to the extent that a separate Hong Kong register as envisaged, could encourage a move away from £lags of convenience by our local shipowners. based shipping companies in their dealing with I.T.F.
The proposals would also assist Hong Kong
10. Regarding discussions with "both sides of the (U.K.) industry" it is still our understanding that British shipowners are most sympathetic to Y.K. Pao in his efforts to see a Hong Kong register established. If officers associations sce fit to object, then the objections could only be associated with principles, rather than practical considerations, noting that the basic problem relates to a shortage of British and Commonwealth officers to mann the Colony's ships.
11.
From an economic point of view benefits would derive from the fee structure proposed above. Additionally and considering the fact that the majority of our shipowners build in Japan, this country is being provided with a major export market. On such accounts, a united front of shipowners under one flag, would undoubtedly assist when trading concessions and the like were being considered.
Other
CONFIDENTIAL
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