Cypher/Cat A
*
CONFIDENTIAL
128
FLASH HONG KONG TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (D.T.D'.)
Telno. 1600
CONFIDENTIAL
30 October 1967
› IN
АГ
No. 63
HIWD 4/1
Addressed C.0. telegram No. 1600 of 30 October Repeated for information to:
1259 (126
2.
Peking.
My telegrams. 1596 and 1597: Hong Kong Border.
Man Kam To has been quiet since 1800 hours local time.
NCNA contact this evening told us that in view of our difficul- ties about meeting at Man Kam To, border authorities now proposed to meet us at Shumchun in reception room near the frontier. We could communicate easily from there by returning across border during recesses in meetings. They would like us to meet as soon as possible and were not prepared to hold alternate meetings on our side. He was told we attached much importance to principle of meeting on alternate sides but would give him a reply in the morning.
3*
Though it is encouraging that Chinese have made some concession to our views, I believe it would be mistaken policy to agree at this stage to more than a single meeting for a fixed period, e.g. between 1300 and 1700 hours, on their side without prejudice to any further meetings or where they are held. This at least would give us some indication of their mood and the sincerity of their intentions.
4. Grateful for your views.
L
C.O.
F.O. please pass Immediate to Peking 580.
Sir D. Trench
[Repeated as requested]
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