INTRODUCTION
RESTRICTED
Since June the press has given continuous coverage to possible air and sea services between China and Hong Kong.
In June the South China Morning Post reported that the Hong Kong and Yaumati Ferry Company were negotiating with the Chinese authorities in Canton on the possibility of starting an inter-city hoverferry service.
In July, the Hong Kong Standard and the Express both reported that an unscheduled charter flight between China and Hong Kong would probably come into operation on October 1.
In August the Secretary of State for Trade, Mr. Edmund Dell confirmed at a press conference here that civil aviation rights between China and Britain had been discussed and that the Chinese Foreign Minister, Mr. Huang Hua had agreed to resume negotiations on an aviation agreement.
Several papers in early September reported that the Shun Tak Shipping Company had reportedly applied to the Kwangtung authorities for permission to operate a hydrofoil service between Hong Kong and Canton.
Throughout the month the papers speculated on the possible air and sea links and speculated on who would be given the right to operate the sea service. The papers generally agreeds that it would be most convenient for tourists and businessmen to have these services.
The Ta Kung Pao on September 23 reported that a hovercraft service operated by the HYF Company was expected to start in November. A few days later, the paper said "regular passenger" flights would probably start before the opening of the Canton Autumn Trade Fair.
On October 5 an agreement was signed between China and Hong Kong for chartered flights to begin on October 12 for the duration of the Canton Fair.
This paper reviews press comment on these developments. Reports on the two services have been presented separately and some background notes to the reason why the papers believe the HYF Company was given permission to operate the sea service, is to be found in the Appendix.
RESTRICTED
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.