TNAG-0511-FCO40-576-Visits-of-ships-from-Soviet-Union-to-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 85

In 1973, the number of Soviet ships

undergoing repair in Hong Kong had increased

considerably, with a consequent large increase

in the crews members. The Soviety crews were

also found to be flouting the xXXXEER above

regulations. The Hong Kong Government

therefore called the attention of the

Ships's Agents to the breaches of regulations;

our agreement,

it

and instructed them to arrange for the es

of Soviet ships undergoing repair to be kent

to a normal complement i.e. one sufficient

to operate the ship in typhoon conditions viz.

about 50% of a full crew. If they ailed to

achieve the appropriate reductions, the Hong

Kong authorities would take steps under the

Immigration Ordinance to curtail the length

of stay in the Colon, of the excess number of

crewmen.

The Fesco Line Agency Ltd., the Hong Kong

Agency for Soviet Ships, have now replied

that the Soviety Safety Regulti ons and Ship

technical exploitation, the number of crew

members may not be reduced by more than 25%

of its usual quantity. The DTI, FCO and the

Embassy at Moscow do not know the official

manning requirements for Soviety vessels.

The Hong Kong uthorities are therefore

pursuin this locally with the Agency.

1INE TO TAKE

That, quite simply, Hong Kong is a special

case.

The Hong Kong Government are discussing

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