TNAG-0611-FCO40-759-Presence-of-Warsaw-Pact-countries-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 53

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་་འ 8 AUG 1977

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h David

The Royal Society

6 Carlton House Terrace, London, SWIY 5AG

Telephone 01-839 5561 Ext 200

Dear Mr Stewart,

Telex 917876

RWJK/GEH/SW 3 August 1977

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۶۰۰ ترکها

Dr Stoker who is at present out of London has asked me to thank you for your letter of 27 July. You mention the Hong Kong authorities' occasional refusal to permit Soviet research vessels to enter Hong Kong. Dr Stoker and I were surprised to see that you said 'occasional', as our impression is that the refusal to permit research vessels has been con- sistent. It is this consistent refusal of research vessels and acceptance of fishing vessels which makes it so difficult for us when discussing the problem with scientific colleagues.

We appreciate, of course, the unique political and geographical position of Hong Kong, but this apparently consistent discrimination against research ships undoubtedly causes much embarrassment to British interests in international scientific collaboration. If therefore you can assure us that the refusals have been 'occasional' and can point to specific occasions when research vessels have been permitted to enter Hong Kong, it would be much appreciated.

Yours sincerely,

R.W. J. Kay

Executive Secretary

J.A.B. Stewart, Esq., Foreign and Commonwealth Office,

Whitehall,

London SW1A 2AH.