explore this point further. He also hopes to soc Mr Pau or, if he is not available, his sonior Aido in London. The timing of any announcement will depend on the outcome of these talks and of the discussions which are currently going on with both nides of the shipping industry hero. We do not want to rot ourselves into a position of having announced an agreement in principle without any definite expectation of accessions to the Hong Kong Register by ships which would otherwise be registered with flags of convenience.
Meanwhile, our next discussion with the UK scafaring Unions, which are to take place on 10 September, have not been assisted by leaks in the Hong Kong press (copies attached) which refer to Pan's contacts with the Prime Minister. There have been taken up by Lloyda list (cutting, also enclosed) and this server to illustrate the strength of feeling by the General Secretary of the Merchant Navy and Airline Officers' Association. Cloerly this is not going to be an easy issue to handle with the Unions, and the Chamber of Shipping and Shipping Fedoration are also disturbed about it though we believe they are likely to acquiosco provided UK shipowners are allowed to continue to register their ships in Hong Kong.
We will of course continue to keep you in close touch with developments on this difficult issue.
A J JANE
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PS/PUSS A & S PS/Secretary A & S
Mr Hubback
Mr Manson
Mr Archer
SG
MAR
MAR 1
Mr Standen Mr Madigan MAR Mr Frost SP
Mr Goodfellow - FCO
Mr Hunt
-
MAR 1
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