TNAG-0420-FCO40-466-Registration-of-merchant-shipping-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 98

Non-British officers for HK ships

CHINA MAIL 18-8 -73

By VINCENT MANG

HONGKONG'S shipping magnate, Mr Y. K. Pao used his personal influence with British Prime Minister Edward Heath to gain conces- sions to make Hong- kong a major power in the shipping world.

In informal talks in London, Mr Pao convinced Mr Heath that Britain should allow Hongkong *ships to sail with non-

British officers.

Hongkong shipowners, who between them own about 7 per cent of world's shipping tonnage, have been trying for years to get this concession.

Under the existing rules, all British registered ships including ships registered in Hongkong, must be manned by British officers including the captain, chief officer, chief engineer and radio officer.

But the new concessions will enable Hongkong registered ships to sail non-British officers except the captain.

Shipping sources said the "major breakthrough” was achieved some two weeks ago` although Hongkong has negotiated with Whitehall on this issue for more than 20 months.

"This

of paramount importance to Hongkong in boosting its image as a major shipping power and its prestige." one prominent ship- owner said.

Shipping souces said Mr Pao, governing director of World-Wide Shipping Ltd, which is one of the world's biggest independent ship- owners, would like to see the establishment

of autonomous Hongkong gistry.

an

re-

Late last year. Prime

Minister Heath invited Mr Pao to an informal dinner with his cabinet minister, Mr Michael Heseltine, Minister of Shipping and Aerospace. also present.

It is understood that Mr Pao exchanged views on this issue with Mr Heath over the dinning table.

This was led to a meeting' between Mr Heseltine and the Governor, Sir Murray MacLchose. 10 discuss the same subject carlier this year.

Sources said Mr Heseltine came here in March and met Sir Murray and representatives of Hongkong Shipowners' Association, which has a special committee to deal with the subject.

All these talks have con- tributed to the breakthrough in the lengthy talks between Hongkong and Britain.

Shipowners in Hongkong were optimistic that many of Hongkong's ships will be registered under the Hongkong flag after a registry is set up in two or three years' time.