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Cypher/Cat A
IMMEDIATE HONG KONG TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
Tel. No. 1699
SECRET
CO.T.D
RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES No. 63
17 November, 1967
20 NOV 1967
"WAY/1
Addressed to Commonwealth Office telegram No. 1699 of 17 November.
Repeated for information to Singapore and Washington.
187) My telegram No. 1698: Hong Kong Border.
Following are main points under discussion in addition to question of payment to peasants for loss of crops (as set out in my telegram under reference):-
A. Secondary fence from Man Kam To to Lo Wu.
Chinese have asked for this to be dismantled within 5 days of signature of agreement insofar as it affects fields from [sic] villagers from Chinese territory. In our view a basic point is that fence in this area is derelict and in its present form serves no useful purpose. On the other hand, we are unable to strengthen or improve other obstacles, including the primary frontier fence, because of the risk of interference, stone- throwing, etc. from Chinese territory. We could afford to agree to removal of this sector of fence within a limited period if we could hope as a result simultaneously to initial measures without interference from the Chinese side to set up or improve other obstacles in the area. We are therefore saying to Chinese that we can agree that within 7 days of the opening of the bridge and the release of persons on each side this sector of the fence should be moved where it is causing inconvenience to farmers from Chinese territory and is serving no useful purpose. But it is to be understood that this time limit can be met only if there is no interference from persons from Chinese territory with the work connected with the removal of the fence and its relocation. We shall add that we shall be strengthening the primary border obstacles simultaneously.
B. Secondary fence in other areas between Shataukok and Lok Ma
Chau.
Chinese have asked for fence here to be dismantled in 30 days again insofar as it affects fields of peasants from Chinese territory. Much of the rest of the fence is in poor repair and broadly the same considerations arise as on (A). We are there- fore saying that we can agree to the 'relocation of the fence as far as possible in such a way that it will not interfere with the normal farming activities of the farmers from the Chinese side of the border and will not interfere with normal and traditional points of access of these farmers to their fields'. We shall also point out that this is a major operation and we.
/consider
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