NG KANG-CHUNG
Kuomintang General Robert Ho Shai-lai, third son of compradore Sir Robert Hotung, was laid to rest yesterday - but the coffin was not draped in the Nationalist flag.

About 200 Nationalist heavyweights, politicians, dignitaries and family attended the service at the Hong Kong Funeral Home for the 92-year-old former soldier who was a Taiwan presidential adviser.

Above the altar hung a plaque reading "Brilliant achievements will shine forever", from Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui, next to a floral board which said "Tremendous virtue at a respected age".

Yet despite Ho's significance in Nationalist history, no Taiwan flag was hanging in the funeral hall, apparently because the family wanted to avoid hurting political sensitivities.

Former Taiwanese premier Hau Pei-tsun, who attended in a personal capacity, described Ho as a highly respected officer who had made an enormous contribution during the war years.

"He undoubtedly deserved formal national obsequies," Mr Hau said. Cheng An-kuo, Taiwan's de facto representative in   the SAR, said: "If the funeral had been held in Taiwan, there would have been an official tribute. But it is in Hong Kong and we respect the family's wishes."

Executive Councillor Yang Ti Liang, who delivered a eulogy, praised Ho's exploits during the Japanese invasion of the mainland.

"After the war, he was on a [Nationalist] military delegation to the United Nations for 10 years. He retired and settled in Hong Kong in 1962 and was later appointed a [Taiwan's] presidential adviser," said Mr Yang, whose speech was followed by a Buddhist ceremony.

Mr Yang was one of 10 men who escorted Ho's coffin from the funeral home. Other pall-bearers included Democratic Party chairman Martin Lee Chu-ming, media tycoon George Ho and casino magnate Stanley Ho Hung-sun - a nephew of Ho.

Tung Chee-hwa's wife, Betty, also attended.

Taiwan Premier Vincent Siew Wan-chang, Defence Minister Chiang Chung-ling, Foreign Minister Jason Hu Chih-chiang and Governor James Soong were among those who sent wreaths.

Other wreaths came from Xinhua deputy director Zhu Yucheng, the Chief Executive's special adviser, Paul Yip Kwok-wah, and tycoon Sir Gordon Wu Ying-sheung. The service was followed by a cremation at Cape Collinson.

Ho, known as Robbie within his family, is survived by son Robert and daughter Min.