TNAG-0419-FCO40-465-Registration-of-merchant-shipping-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 87

CODE 8.77

Reference..

at a competitive disadvantage compared with the Hong Kong registered" ships. The seafarers' organisations can be expected to be strongly opposed to a separate register not only because of their doubt whether safety standards will be maintained but more particularly because of their doubt as to the adequacy of wage levels and con- ditions of service on ships to be transferred from a flag of con- venience to the Red Ensign.

7.

I have not as yet received a list of names of the representatives of the shipping industry who will attend these meetings. Mr Hogarth, General Secretary of the NUS, will not be present because he unfortunately suffered a stroke recently. I understand he is now making a slow but steady recovery.

W J Madigan

MAR 4

1/9 Sunley House

ext 546

13 April 1973