TNAG-0510-FCO40-575-Registration-of-merchant-shipping-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 48

from the ITWF resolution there is strong feeling on their

part. We understand that they are particularly concerned about the rates of pay for crews of ships transferred to a new Hong Kong register and it might be helpful if you could provide any assurance on this point.

5. There seems little point in undertaking a further

round of discussions, however, unless we know that the Hong Kong shipowners are willing to proceed on the basis- of our revised proposals. We would therefore appreciate an indication of their reactions and, in particular, an estimate of the amount of gross tonnage likely to be transferred to a Hong Kong register on these conditions. We very much hope that any press leaks can be avoided pending discussion with both sides of the shipping industry

here.