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were not trying to provoke them. On the other
hand, there are strong reasons against volun-
teering any apology. British public opinion
would not understand that we should rush in
with an apology for an accidental navigational
error, when the Chinese, having subjected
our representatives in China to gross indigni-
ties and abused our authorities in London
and Hong Kong, rejected our protests and
insisted on justifying their atrocious behavi-
our. Peking would almost certainly publi-
cise our explanation as either an attempt to
cover up a deliberate provocation or abject
surrender. The latter would not help to
maintain public morale in Hong Kong.
3. If, however, the Chinese protest to you
against these overflights, you should give them
a brief and straightforward explanation,
emphasizing that the infringements were
accidental and stating that they are under
further investigation.
4. If the Chinese publicise these overflights
and there are any Press enquiries, News
Department will reply along similar lines.
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