TNAG-0781-FCO40-985-Involvement-of-Hong-Kong-in-air-services-agreements-1978 — Page 42

:

13.

(i)

•

It was therefore agreed to say that:

talks were held in a very friendly atmosphere to review the CAAC charter flights between Hong Kong and Canton and the associated ATC and Communications procedures;

(ii) in view of the demand, it was agreed that the current

series of flights should continue until the end of November;

(iii) the possibility of further charter flights was explored

and it was agreed that further consideration would be given to this possibility.

Proposed Helicopter Service between Hong Kong and Macau

14.

In accordance with the brief, the question of the attitude of the Chinese authorities towards Stanley Ho's proposed helicopter service was not raised and neither did the CAAC officials take the initiative. In a conversation with Mr. Lok to which I was not a party CAAC officials raised this matter almost as an aside by saying that the Hong Kong Government had proposed that tripartite talks take place. Mr. Lok thought it best not to pursue this topic having been told that he was not to raise it.

St

General

15.

The clear impression gained was that the CAAC charter flights between Hong Kong and Canton had to continue by one means or another. Without spelling it out, it seemed that there would be very serious repercussions if the flights were stopped by the absence of approval from Hong Kong. Li made much of the convenience enjoyed by the travellers to the Trade Fair and of the adverse public reaction if, for some reason, permission was withheld for the flights to continue.

16.

There is no doubt that a great deal of goodwill has developed as a result of the success of the Trade Fair flights. This point was brought home time and time again during the talks.

Conclusion

17.

It is recommended that permission be given as soon as possible to CAAC for the flights between Hong Kong and Canton to continue within the framework of the. ABC rules proposed. This could . be for three months in the first instance. Whatever decision is taken should be conveyed by telex.

Associated ATC and Communications Procedures

18.

This aspect will be reported on separately by Mr. Lok.

власти

(N. Latham)

Assistant Director

17th November 1978