TNAG-1034-FCO40-1284-Visits-by-non-officials-from-Hong-Kong-to-the-UK-1981 — Page 10

SECRET: STAFF IN CONFIDENCE

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detailed discussions of her possible visit with Chinese authorities,

it would be premature for Sir Y K Pao to raise with them his

launching of 'United Enterprise'.

willing to consider launching the ship, and HM Embassy in Peking

do not think proposal would be unacceptable to Chinese.

OTHER SHIPPING MATTERS

However, Prime Minister apparently

5.

Sir Y K Pao is Chairman of INTERTANKO (International Association

of Independent Tanker Owners) and head of World-Wide Shipping Group,

whose large fleet mainly registered in Liberia. Thus supports open

registries. UK in favour of countries being free to register ships on their own terms, subject to their ability to enforce international}

agreed safety, social and environmental standards. We believe maritin

safety should be pursued in its own right, not by attacking open

registries, as developing countries and communist bloc have done at

UNCTAD.

6. In context of UNCTAD attacks on open registries, Sir Y K Pao

has publicly suggested separate Hong Kong register. At present

Hong Kong port of registry under British flag on same lines as London

or Liverpool. His aim is to make is possible to employ either non-

British National or non-British certificated officers on Hong Kong

registered ships. Would allow some flag of convenience ships to

move to Hong Kong register. Hong Kong's marine administration do

not have resources to cope with any major expansion of register.

[NOT FOR USE] Moreover under present law, impossible to set up

separate Hong Kong register under British flag,

/7.

SECRET : STAFF IN CONFIDENCE