TNAG-0858-FCO40-1068-Proposed-UK-China-bilateral-shipping-agreement-1979 — Page 147

Mr Masefield, FED

CONFIDENTIAL

Reference

UK/CHINA SHIPPING

NIC

1. I see from paragraph 24 of Washington tel No.557 of 7 February that Mr Teng Hsaio Ping agreed to President Carter's hope for a maritime agreement. This seems to underline what seems to be the emerging US preference for bilateral agreements on shipping; but it also suggests that the Chinese might find it more difficult to decline a similar arrangement with us. I would guess that a US/China agreement might sharpen the GCBS appetites: assuming Chinese willingness, is there any reason why we should not negotiate something which would give UK shipowners roughly similar treatment to the United States? There is Hong Kong to consider but how is the US placed in regard to Taiwan, itself an important shipping nation?

CODE 18-77

8 February 1979

c.c. to:-

Mr Morland

Mr Greig HK&GD

+

A J Ramsay

Maritime, Aviation & Environment Department

Hkr.175/2

No

PA

मनर

Action Te