TNAG-0419-FCO40-465-Registration-of-merchant-shipping-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 16

CODE 18-77

MR MANSON MR STANDEN MR MADIGAN

Reference

with

༤

ندم

Lils

SG

Сс

Mr Lane

MAR 1 (copy each)

MAR 4

HONG KONG REGISTER

PS/Minister for A&S

Mr Brigstocke SP

Mr Andrew Stuart - FCO

I attach a copy of a letter from Mr Fletcher enclosing a copy of the paper which has been circulated to Hong Kong shipowners. Paragraph 3 is rather disturbing for it contemplates the possibility of making arrangements for the holders of Taiwan certificates which seem to me pretty unlikely.

Perhaps the best move would be to reply to this letter after the meeting we have suggested that officials should hold with the Chamber and Federation, provided this is not too long delayed. We could enclose a note of those points raised by these two bodies which would concern the Hong Kong Government and go on to emphasise the difficulties in the circumstances of further relaxations on the lines mentioned in paragraph 3 of his paper.

Arches

JN ARCHER MÁR

8 May 1973

1KK 21/2