Mr Northover
MMAED
332
CONFIDENTIAL
HKK184/+
RENA
780. 51
15 JUN 1978
DECK OFFICER
INDEX
PA
R
taken
UK/KOREA
AIR SERVICES
No
1. Flease refer to Hong Kong Telno 702.
مله
2. I accept that the LOT will certainly argue that the arrangement referred to by hong kong, which was reached with AL, was only arrived at as a result of considerable pressure from the Prime Minister, and was a one off deviation fom the normal policy of considering only aviation matters without negotiating ASAS. Nevertheless I believe that there is an important point on principle argued in paragraph 2 of the Hong Kong telegram.
3. Even if one does not take into account non-aviation benefits which might accrue from a articular course of action surely one cannot logically argue that an A would be negotiated or even considered which would be positively harmful to the overall national interest.
4. This is hong kong 's argument and in my view it is perfectly justified. They further argue that the UK adopts a too rigid definition of the national interest and that the interest of Hong kong as a territory forms part of the national interest for which hh is responsible. in this there can be no question that they are right.
5. I would add that there is a very strongly held feeling in Hong Kong that on many occasions the U. has neglected the wider interests of Hong Kong. I am not arguing in support of this contention but I would say that the present Korea case provides a very useful opportunity for Hirit to be seen to be trying to correct this impression.
given no concrete evidence are less likely to object after a six month trial Although this equally
6. The Hong Kong case, and we have to the contrary, is that the Koreans to losing the services if they do so than if it is rejected out of hand. cannot be proved 1 must admit that I find it more likely. to this there are now the aviation arguments advanced in the TUR which seem to me to be of considerable significance.
Added
7. In the circumstances, I should be grateful if you would approach the DOT and obtain their agreement to exceed to a trial period for the korean service.
14 June 1978
CONFIDENTIAL
J Thompson
Hong Kong & General Dept K270 233-4069
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