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FCO LATE SPOKESMAN : 1700, 7 JUNE 1989
RESPONS
STATEMENT ISSUED BY MR TIM EGGAR, MINISTER RESPO (SIBLE FOR CONSULAR
MATTERS IN THE FOREIGN OFFICE
Due to the events in China, the Foreign Office has opened its emergency unit the telephone number for enquiries about British nationals is 01 270 2700. It will be manned on a 24-hour basis.
Our paramount concern at the present time is the safety and well-being of British nationals and I can assure you that everything that can be done is being done. It has to be recognised that the Embassy in Peking and Consulate-General in Shanghai are working under extremely difficult conditions in that movement around the cities is virtually impossible and hard information is difficult to come by.
We naturally understand the deep anxiety of relatives of British subjects in China and we would like them to help us by:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Before telephoning the Foreign Office check as far as possible that the person concerned has not already left China.
Try to ensure that only one member of the family acts as contact point with the Foreign Office.
-
please
If the person concerned is with a tour group contact the tour company initially. We are in close touch with ABTA about tour groups that may still be in China.
Many residents from China have been able to travel to Hong Kong independently. If they get in touch with relatives from there to say that they are safe and well please let us know on the telephone number above.
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We are also making it known in Hong Kong that travellers reaching there who have not let anyone know of their whereabouts should contact the British Trade Commission Office situated in the Bank of America Tower in 12 Harcourt Road, Hong Kong (Telephone: 5-230176).