TNAG-0641-FCO40-789-Discussions-between-Hong-Kong-and-Macao-for-proposed-constru-1977 — Page 9

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DRE PISTILY NO. TO

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JUSP U20/2

UNF. 28/4

三

The third point which the Portuguese Ambassador raised with me today when he called concerned a project for an airfield at Macao. It seems that the Portuguese Embassy put a question to th TCO last your on the basis of a suggestion made by the Governor of Macao that a new airport should be built at Macao to tako some of the excess traffic now choking the airport at Hong Kong. Apparently the Portuguese asked what the British view would be and he received the reply that it would first be necessary to consult Peking before trying to launch such a project.

2. The Ambassador's comment was that Portugal had no relations with Puking und he wondered whether there would be any point in the Portuguese consulting Peking about the airport idea.

His owl impression was that, if Hong Kong needed an overflow airport, it should bo built in the New Torritories. He was sure from tho days he had spent in Hong Kong that there was plenty of room in the New Territories. He went on to say that surely no one who wanted to get to Hong Kong would want to go there via Macao. In fact he seemed to be wanting to say that the whole idea was mis- conceived and ought to be filed away forever.

3.

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I asked if he was bringing the subject up now on instructior, from Lisbon, and he indicated that he was only doing so in the sonse that Lisbon usked from time to time whether there was any now British roaction.

4.

I think it would be useful if Far Eastern or Hong Kong Department could arrange for something more definite to be said to the Portuguese Embassy on this subject than has been said so far. It would be a kindness to encourage the Ambassador to forget the mattor, if that is what we think ought to be done with it. If, however, there is something useful in the idea, he will need to be stimulated vigorously.

Qur.

R A Hibbert

26 April 1977

c.c.

Mr Cortazzi

Mr Murray

FED

Hong Kong & Gen Dept)

CONFIDENTIAL

cc. M. Boon

MKGD.

auf.6/s