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was attended by the Chinese Ambassador, Mr Ji Chaozhu, and Sir Y K
Pao's representatives in London, Mr William Lee and Mr Stephen Pan.
Following Sir Y K Pao's call on Mr Patten on 15 October it has been
agreed that Mr William Lee, who will also be the Foundation's
representative in London, shold be appointed Honorary Secretary to
the Commission which supervises the Scheme.
G.
ÿ.
ARMILLA PATROL PROTECTION FOR HONG KONG SHIPS
The DTp advise the MOD on which ships, in addition to
British-registered ones, are considered to have a clear majority
British ownership and are thus eligible under present rules for
protection. The Hong Kong Shipowners Association have asked whether
in the case of the "World Truth" which will shortly arrive in the
Gulf, an affidavit sworn by the majority owner, Sir Y K Pao, could
be accepted by the DTp as sufficient evidence of the ship's eligibility for full RN protection. We have advised DTp that we
consider that accepting a sworn affidavit, however distinguished the
swearer, would set a dangerous precedent. This response has been conveyed to Sir Y K through various channels.
H. NINGBO STEELWORKS
10. Sir Y K Pao is promoting this project (estimated cost £1
billion). He was told in 1986 by the Prime Minister and other
Ministers that we cannot provide ATP (the minimum grant allowed
under OECD consensus rules would be about £300m). The Embassy told
the Chinese this in January, but said that we might consider funding
a small separate project in the region if it could be done without
breaching international obligations. There has been no response.
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