TNAG-0965-FCO40-1184-Air-services-between-the-UK-and-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 10

CONFIDENTAL

LAKER ISSUE WOULD BE SETTLED IN THE SPRING OF NEXT YEAR.

6. I UNDERSTAND FROM ROBERTS THAT WHITEHALL IS CONSIDERING SEEKING

AN EXEMPTION FOR LAKER FROM ATLA'S LICENSING. EVEN IF THERE WERE NOT CONSIDERABLE LEGAL COMPLICATIONS IN PROCEEDING IN THIS WAY,

I WOULD ADVISE AGAINST SUCH A SOLUTION WHICH WOULD MAKE A MOCKERY

OF ATLA'S ROLE AND WOULD BE LIKELY TO CAUSE A REACTION IN HK. IF THE PROPOSALS AS I HAVE OUTLINED THEM ARE ACCEPTED, THEN IT WOULD BE UNNECESSARY.

7. I UNDERSTAND ROBERTS HAS REPORTED IN A SIMILAR VEIN TO DOT.

CATER

MINIMAL

HRGD (4)

MAED

COPIES

MR GARDINER LEGAL ROVISERS

2

CONFIDENTAL