Peking & Hong Kong
Peking and Hong Kong
P.A, Singapore
S
Flag B
Hong Kong Telegram No. 780: Overri
Overflying
J.I.C. External
Distribution
P.S. to Prime Minister
Cabinet Office
Treasury
Ministry of Defence
We have discussed this question with the
Ministry of Defence and the Commonwealth Office.
2.
As the exercise is purely routine and has
already been publicised, we agree that it should
continue. Even if Peking criticises it in their
publicity, we think we should not cancel it as
this would appear to be a climb-down and would,
we think, have an adverse effect on public morale
in Hong Kong.
3.
We do not, repeat not, think we should take
the initiative in offering any apology or explana-
tion to the Chinese. We accept that to do so
would be in accordance with our normal practice
when we have infringed foreign territorial airspace
and would have the advantage of showing Peking
that we intend to keep strictly to the rules and
are
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