CONFIDENTIAL
D/DS5/7/5/71
PS/S of S
Copies to
PS/Minister of State PS/US of S(RN) Sec/1SL
Sec/VCNS
ACDS (Ops)
ACNS(0)
AUS(NS)
DNOT
никога
RECEIVED IN PECASTRY NO. 51 1 5 JUL 1980
DESK OFFICER INDEX
PA
До
Ruys!
REGISTRY Action Takan
ههه
Head of DS 11
DPR (N)
FCO (FED) (Mr McLaren)
FCO (Hong Kong & General Dept)
HM TUG CLARE DETENTION BY CHINESE
1.
Further to my earlier minute I have just been informed that CLARE has been released by the Chinese and is expected to arrive shortly in Hong Kong. Before leaving, her Commanding Officer was handed a statement of the Chinese interpretation of events. I understand that the matter will now be pursued as necessary through diplomatic channels.
2. The Hong Kong Government does not intend to make a public announcement about the incident but has prepared the following factual defensive statement for use as necessary:
3.
"HM Tug CLARE was on patrol on anti illegal immigration duties on the morning of 5 July when she was involved in an incident with a Chinese coastguard vessel. The Chinese craft stopped HM Tug CLARE after she had apparently sailed inadvertently into Chinese waters. At the request of the Chinese craft the two ships proceeded to an anchorage in the vicinity of DA Chan Island. After an exchange of statement HM Tug CLARE returned to base.
We and the FCO will take a similar line in response to any enquiries.
3 July 1980
CONFIDENTIAL
Ману
A J CRAGG
Head of DS 5