TNAG-1177-FCO40-1479-Air-services-between-Hong-Kong-and-South-East-Asia-1982 — Page 19

Reference

CONFIDENTIAL

This is potentially diffiett, but

Mr Hoare at least we her a unged apprech

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THE HO CHI MINH FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION

1..

I have asked Mr Sindon of MAED to keep in close touch with you on this matter during my absence. In particular I have asked him to ensure that all correspondence leaving the FCO is first cleared with you.

2.

Background

In 1975 the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) assigned responsibility for the former SAIGON FIR to the Singapore, Bangkok and Kong Kong Area Control Centres.

1980 ICAO signed a Memorandum of Understanding which confirmed Vietnam's right to control the Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon) FIR, subject to their achieving certain technical standards.

3.

Recent Developments

Vietnam now claims that it is ready to assume control of the Ho Chi Minh FIR. The Vietnamese have suggested a series of bilateral talks with the relevant Governments. This is evidently an attempt to establish a consensus in favour of Vietnam assuming control in advance of the Regional Air Navigation meeting due to be held in Singapore in January 1983. Hong Kong are keen not to get involved in bilateral talks with the Vietnamese. They feel the matter would be much better handled multilaterally within ICAO, and the RAN meeting is the appropriate forum. The DOT agree with this. Other Governments involved (Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand) apparently share this view.

4.

The situation was complicated when CAAC approached the Civil Aviation Department in Hong Kong on 19 November with some rather vague proposals that 'joint responsibility' for the South China Sea area should be exercised by the Hong Kong and Guangzhou aeronautical authorities. This tactic

designed to forestall Vietnam regaining control of the Ho Chi Minh FIR. Hong Kong and DOT are prepared to discuss this during the UK/PRC Air Services talks in December if CAAC wish to raise it. But they want to avoid any commitment in advance of the RAN meeting in Singapore.

Soums

CODE 18 77

CONFIDENTIAL

/5.