CONFIDENTIAL
take a serious view of the incident (which almost certainly did not reflect official policy) and carry out a full investigation. The incident has not been reported in the press: if it does become public knowledge however, it could cause awkward questions to be asked about our repatriation policy. It is unlikely that this question will be raised in discussion of Mr Wall's Question, but I have included a supplementary on it just in case: Hong Kong have proposed, in their telegram no. 872, that the incident should be played down as much as possible.
5. The proposed reply has been agreed with the Hong Kong Government.
FLAG A
88
14 July 1978
CC:
PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts
Mr Cortazzi
HKK 341/1
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY MO. 51
2 6 JUL1978
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
No at
REGISTRY Action Ten
ONE
CONFIDENTIAL
W.E. Quantill
WE Quantrill Hong Kong and General Department