TNAG-0779-FCO40-983-Involvement-of-Hong-Kong-in-air-services-agreements-1978 — Page 15

Pagraphs 6 and 7

a ja eri mosqp{v}

Set out the possible disadvan-

tages to the UK. Laker could

not operate a charter service

to Australia. There would be

criticism (no worse) from the

Americans. More serious, woul

be if the mid point countries

in SE Asia, and India, react

edities severally or collectively adversely Singapore's

airline (SIA) and tourism Lee Kuan Yew?

'would be worst' affected and/will

d/will

probably react sharply.

Lirespective of thew Separate ac service tourist interest

Paragraph 8

/

The Malaysian reaction could

much

also be sharp, but with/less

justification.

the

There is a risk

that the countries concerned would gang

up to block the scheme by a

total refusal to cooperate

eg by denying overflying and landing

rights. There could also

be opposition in Europe (particularly from the Dutch)

to the scheme, but probably

not strong enough to block it.

There are implications for

Hong Kong but the Hong Kong

Government and Cathay Pacific

Airways are still studying the

proposal. It is too early to

give the Australians a reply

in respect of the Australia/

Hong Kong routes.

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

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