CONFIDENTIAL
in fact, a measure to defend the security of the
Colony against an external threat and that as such its
cost should not be a charge on the Hong Kong Government.
In the view of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the
Hong Kong Government have, in fact, already met any
share of this obligation which might reasonably be
attributed to them in that they have met the cost
engaged in the creation of the time (amounting to approximately £69,000) of labour and
q compensation paid to the owners of the land taken over
for the construction of the fence.
8.
Border Works
At an early stage during the 1967 disturbances, when
the situation was still confused and explosive, it
presence was decided to strengthen the military fee on the
border and to stiffen the Hong Kong police elements
pozice
By
there. Two Gurkha battalions were agcordingly deployed
on the frontier, where they dug in It proved nece-
ssary for some work to be done to protect these troops
and the Army put the necessary works in hand.
October/November 1967, it had become evident that
there was a continuing need/for the deployment of troops
on the frontier and basic requirements such as latrines,
ablutions, cookhouses, observation posts, bunkers, etc
were constructed at military expense. The Ministry of
Defence has been seeking to recoup this expenditure
from the Hong Kong Government which has, however,
vern
declined to accept the charge.
9.
"
In 1968, under operation "Springclean" certain
works services were also required to refurbish other
border positions which had fallen into disrepair, and
/six.
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