TNAG-0419-FCO40-465-Registration-of-merchant-shipping-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 154

1.

CONFIDENTIAL

the more difficult questions of accepting foreign certificates and foreign Masters until international consideration of this has progressed further? Would Hong Kong shipowners with the Colony's interests in mind be prepared to register ships under some interim? agreement of this kind in the expectation of further relaxations later? We note that, in any case, you would expect the build-up of your register to be gradual.

We could not lead you to believe that a visit to London would result in agreement on the terms set out in your paper.

We nevertheless believe that a resumption of the talks which have so far taken place in Hong Kong would be helpful and suggest the week beginning 5 March.

CONFTDENTIAL