TNAG-0420-FCO40-466-Registration-of-merchant-shipping-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 73

CONFIDENTIAL

Mr. Lane PS/Minister for Aerospace &

Shipping.

d. Head

0.0.

4

6/9

R,

PS/PUSS A & S PS/Sec A & S

Mr. Hubback Dep Sec.

Mr. Hanson S.G,

Mr, Standen MAR 1 Mr. Madigan MAR 4 Mr. Frost SP

Mr. Goodfellow FCO Mr. Hunt MAR 1

85

100

78

HONG KONG REGISTER OF SHIPPING

In his letter of 29.8.73 Lord Bridges asked when, during the recess, a public announcement is expected to be made on this subject as forecast in a letter of 30 July to No. 10; he asks for a reply by 10 September. I am due to meet the seafaring unions on that day and it may be a few days after that before we can decide about a public announcement. I therefore favour answering No. 10 as soon as possible in the hope that they will stop pressing us for a few weeks. I should also like to take the opportunity of letting Lord Bridges see what the Hong Kong newspapers have leaked about Mr. Pau's contacts with the P.M.

89 Accordingly, I suggest a reply as in the attached draft, enclosing

copies of the press cuttings (also attached). Would you kindly show this to the Minister today and we can then have a word about it when we meet at 2.50 p.m. tomorrow, 4 September.

5.M. ARCHER

MAR 3.0.73

€