TNAG-1373-FCO40-1819-Ministerial-visits-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong-1985 — Page 102

[ME3ADR]

CONFIDENTIAL

MR RENTON'S VISIT TO HONG KONG (27 31 OCTOBER 1985)

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16. SHIPPING

Points to make in public

1. HMG fully appreciate economic importance of Hong Kong shipping Support plan to create a separate Hong Kong registry, and

industry.

have read consultative document with interest.

DEFENSIVE

2.

(Consultation with Chinese) Copy of the consultative document passed to the Chinese in advance of publication. We shall naturally take any views they may have into account. None received yet.

Points to make to Hong Kong Government officials

3.

Hope Chinese will

document

at

give definitive comments

on consultative

forthcoming JLG meeting, and thus

to enable you

ahead quickly with formulation of final proposals for new register.

move

DEFENSIVE

4.

power

to

concern

on

this

matter.

would not

consideration of circumstances at the time.

Power

to (Requisitioning) Politically not possible for HMG

But requisition Hong Kong ships.

fully appreciate your

full used without

renounce

be

CONFIDENTIAL