CONFIDENTIAL
D/Sec (0) (C) 6/7
29 August 1989
PS/Minister(AF)
copy to: APS/Secretary of State
PS/US of S(AF)
DPSO/CDS
PS/PUS
MA/CGS
MA/DCDS (C)
ACDS (0)
AUS (C)
CPR
DROW
Head of GS Sec
DPR (A)
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419
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DPO (A) FCO
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Hong Kong Dept
HONG KONG AND VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE: INCIDENT ON 27/28 AUGUST
1. Minister (AF) will wish to know the background to an incident which took place over the weekend in Hong Kong, involving a major police operation, supported by elements of the garrison, to restore law and order among a group of VBP on the island of Tai Ah Chau part of the Soko group about 15
-
miles south west of Hong Kong island. The incident was reported factually and reasonably accurately in today's Times and used as a hook to report on the overall position on VBP in Hong Kong: a copy of the article is attached.
2. Trouble flared at about 1030 (local) on Sunday 27 August during the distribution of rice. This task is carried out by the 50 RHKP stationed in the island to guard about 5500 mostly North Vietnamese boat people, but the rice is cooked and transported by the garrison as a temporary measure until kitchens are built on the island. Thus six soldiers were on the island at the time. The incident appears to have been sparked by a North Vietnamese belief that they were being discriminated against in the distribution of the food. A crowd of about 1000 threw stones and missiles at the police, who withdrew from the island after firing 41 CS gas cartridges, taking the six soldiers with them: none of the latter were involved in countering the rioters and none were injured. Approximately two hours later the police returned to the island without further opposition.
3. However, for no apparent reason the police withdrew again on Sunday night, necessitating the deployment of 400 police on Monday morning to re-establish control of the island. The operation was supported by one landing craft and four RAF Wessex helicopters from the garrison, though it is understood
CONFIDENTIAL