CONFIDENTIAL
question of widening the register further by making
eligible ships of companies with a newly-established
place of business in Hong Kong could be considered.
A further change in the relevant Ordinance might well
be required then.
In our view the proposal would have the following
advantages:·
(i) it would silence or minimise in advance any
criticism that the Hong Kong register of
shipping had become a "flag of convenience'
with its attendant risk of reprisals against
both Hong Kong ships and Red Ensign ships
generally;
(ii) it would wholly answer the Hong Kong
Government's fears on crew accommodation and
safety equipment matters that it would be
"time-consuming and possibly impracticable"
to refer to DTI new questions requiring
resolution:
the spot;
most of these could be solved on
(iii) it would enable a much speedier solution of
"qualification" problems on manning.
An agreement on these lines would need very careful
handling here with both sides of the industry and we
do not believe that we could go further without
unacceptable difficulties with them. Mr Pao indicated
CONFIDENTIAL
/last week
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.