DRAFT MINUTE TO THE PRIME MINISTER
HONG KONG REGISTRY
As you know, we have now heard from the Hong Kong
Government in response to the latest proposals put
to them last month, outlined in my minute to you of
14 June.
The main difference between us concerns the nationality
and qualifications of Masters and First Officers.
They would accept for a limited period that Masters
should be British subjects a point which the Ministry
of Defence is anxious to preserve and which I believe
but they want to deal with First Officers
is vital
ad hoc in the same way as for other officers,
I do not think we should agree to this. The First
Officer, as second-in-command to the Master, plays a
vital role in the safe navigation of the ship and, of
course, takes over command in the event of illness
etc. The insistence that he should either be British
or be a bona fide Hong Kong resident with the
appropriate British certificate by examination is a
necessary safeguard and will be important in demonstrating
that no lowering of standards is contemplated.
Moreover, we understand that a good proportion of
Mr Pao's present fleet could satisfy the new require-
ments.
Apparently he is pressing for more relaxations
partly to give him greater flexibility in manning
/his existing
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.