TNAG-0511-FCO40-576-Visits-of-ships-from-Soviet-Union-to-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 6

CONFIDENTIAL

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Already

reg.

taken care J.

P..

22/2

CJR Meyer Esq

19 DEC 1974

EESD

FCO

Dear Christopher,

Jente

BRITISH EMBASSY MOSCOW

18 December 1974

2 / H.K.46.D. (Mr. Dinwiddy) BD 20/12

SOVIET SHIPS' CREWS IN HONG KONG

lekar about me

An Aut

to the fanier Consul's representations,

GR. May 19/12

Ees)

1.

We have on our files occasional references to diffi- culties which the Hong Kong authorities have experienced over the behaviour of the crews of Soviet merchant vessels calling at the Colony for repairs, e.g. copies of Hong Kong telegrams 1240 of 29 October and 1419 and 1420 of 8 December 1973, all to FCO.

In

2. This subject was mentioned en passant by Vasev of the Second European Department during the Department's farewell lunch for Bryan Cartledge on 13 December. the context of conversation with me about minor bilateral issues which might be discussed in the period before, or during, the Prime Minister's forthcoming visit here in February, Vasev referred to "problems" which had arisen

He for Soviet ships undergoing repair in Hong Kong. remarked that the Russians could take their ships else- where, e.g. to Singapore. I suggested that, although I was not familiar with recent developments, the "problems" might disappear if Soviet crews always behaved them- selves in the Colony.

3. I do not foresee any mileage to be gained from a prolonged discussion with the Russians about this problem, which is essentially of the Russians' own manu- facture. It is not one which we would wish to have mentioned during the PM's visit. But you might see that it is covered by a very short defensive note in the briefs; and it would be useful if you could find out whether there have been any recent incidents or exchanges involving Soviet crews in Hong Kong.

40 I am copying this letter to Hong Kong and Peking, to whom I would explain that, at the time of writing, no dates have been announced for the visit to Moscow by the PM and the Secretary of State and that, pending an announce- ment, the fact that it will be in February is confidential.

Don

пода

BU 8/1/75

B

20/18

Yourscret Isin.

I J M Sutherland

CONFIDENTIAL