TNAG-0640-FCO40-788-Visits-of-nuclear-powered-merchant-ships-to-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 10

CONFIDENTIAL

·3.

arrangements made for the ship's visit there. I think that they could do so. The fact is that the US nuclear-powered ship the "NS Savannah" has called, without incident, at Hong Kong on several occasions since 1967. More important, if the Hong Kong Government carried out the requirements of the SOLAS Convention they would be

making the same arrangements for the visit of the "Otto Hahn" as did HMG when the ship visited Southampton last year. I conclude therefore that it would be reasonable to place on the Hong Kong Government the responsibility for ensuring that their arrangements for the visit of the "Otto Hahn" are up to international standards as defined in the SOLAS Convention. The UK departments concerned, principally the DOT and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority have agreed to offer advice and assistance, on reimbursement. The

Hong Kong Government indicated at an earlier stage that they would be ready to assume responsibility for all aspects of the visit of

the "Otto Hahn".

7. I recommend that the Hong Kong Government be advised to make their own arrangements for the visit of the "Otto Hahn" in accordance with the requirements of the SOLAS Convention. If you agree, the department will proceed accordingly. ES&SD, MGD, FED, Defence

Department, WED, MOD and the DOT concur.

1 September 1977

cc:

Mr Makepeace (ES&SD) Mr Free-Gore (MGD)

Mr Orr (FED)

Mr Fuller (Defence Dept)

Mr Rawlinson (WED)

Mr Boardman (DS16, MOD)

Mr Doyle (Maritime Division, DOT)

A.f. Meilton

D F Milton

Hong Kong & General Department

CONFIDENTIAL