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IMMEDIATE HONG KONG TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (DTD)
Telno 1336 2 September, 1967
UNCLASSIFIED
づ
25
Hai
Addressed to Commonwealth Office telegram No.1336 of
2 September,
Repeated for information to PA Singapore.
741
Your telegram No.1813. [Security of Border].
It was necessary to make Press release today since already a good deal of wire is being assembled along the lines of the secondary fence and Press questions have been asked.
2.
Here follows verbatim copy of the Press release made at 1000 hours local time:
"As an additional measure to prevent illegal entry into Hong Kong territory, the Government is building a second wire fence to the South of the existing one. A Government spokesman said that the experience of the 1962 influx of illegal immigrants had shown that the chain link border fence is not an adequate obstacle to persons determined to make illegal entry into Hong Kong. In order to control such incursions, should they occur, a second obstacle is necessary. This would prevent illegal immigrants from intruding further into Hong Kong territory. The spokesman emphasized that the erection of the second fence is a reinforcement and not in any way a change in the security arrangements along the border. All border entry points will be manned as at present and patrols will continue to be maintained in all areas along the border. In deciding
on the alignment of the fence, every effort has been made by Government to reduce to the minimum any difficulty for farmers and others who might be affected. However, it is inevitable that because of the nature of the terrain some land needed to be requisitioned to enable the fence to be constructed, and arrangements for the requisition of land and the payment of compensation, where appropriate, are now being worked out".
Sir D.Trench
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
H.K. & W.I.D. 'C'
C.O.
F.0.
88888
I. & G.D.
F.E.P.D.
Consular Dept.
J.I.P.G.D.
J.I.R.D.
News Dept.
F.E.D.
Police Adviser
Overseas Labour Adviser
D.I.S. M.O.D.
Sent 04202/2 September Recd 04252/2 September
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