TNAG-0611-FCO40-759-Presence-of-Warsaw-Pact-countries-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 62

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The vessel arrived at Hong Kong, and having not obtained the requested permission to enter the port, was obliged after four days waiting, to return to Vladivostok. The Institute of Ocean- ology lossess amounted to 30.000 roubles as a result of this

incident.

3. In December, 1973, the British authorities did not give

permission to R/V "Vityaz" to call Hong Kong for the planned participation in the Pacific Science Congress. Twelve contribu- tions from Soviet physical oceanographers had been submitted to the Congress but could not be delivered, since neither the ship

nor the scientists were admitted to Hong Kong.

We do not know which motivations were advanced to justify

such decisions by the British authorities. We would like to

believe that all this is due to some kind of misunderstanding.

We hope you can use your authority and influence in finding ways

to resolve the unfair situation.

3.06.77.

On behalf of Soviet Oceanographers

1. Блекин

Yours very truly,

Acad. L.M.Brekhovskikh

Chairman of the National

Committee of Soviet

Oceanographers