TNAG-0871-FCO40-1081-Air-services-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-UK-1979 — Page 18

MAED

PA. J 13.1

13.12

HONG KONG ATLA

HKK 184/5

Cofis pursed to INGO for A Griffides

Coprispassed

RECEIZO KPAARBY WO. 51

14 DECISIO

DESK OPPIGER

PA

R

F-14

12

cc HKGD

(87A)

Discussed write things

Stoddart.

2.A.

Mr Cortazzi

$13/12

213/12

892

1. Please see the attached letter from the Joint Company Secretary of British Caledonian which arrived on my desk this afternoon. I spoke immediately to Mr Bebchick by telephone, saying that the FCO was not the lead Department in the conduct of the CAA hearings and secondy that I hoped for firmer evidence from him that the Hong Kong Government intended to urge CAA to repudiate the ATLA decision to divide the Hong Kong/London route between B.CAL and CPA. I pointed out that CAA and ATLA were constitutionally separate and might come to different decisions, but this was another matter.

2. On the first point Mr Bebchick (who sounded American) said he did not know whom to address and had not been in touch with the DOT. I said I would pass copies of the papers immediately to that Department. On the second point Mr Bebchick was evasive and I got the impression that he had some fears, but no real evidence. addea that there was no possibility of giving Mr Bebchick a considered reply before Thursday. He accepted this.

I

3. MAED should pass a copy of the letter and my minute to DOT conight, or first thing tomorrow morning. HKGD, by arrangement with MAED, should tell the Hong Kong Government of this approach. It would be as well for HKGD to keep in touch with Mr Griffiths, the Atorney-General, who I believe is coming to London for the CAA hearings.

11 December 1979

ори

DF Murray