En Clair
HONG KONG TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (D.T.D.),
Telno Unnumbered
UNCLASSIFIED
PRESS
251900
411
TOP COPY
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No. 63
25 August 1967
29 AUG1967
Attention Glover. Sitrep one. Man Kam To Road Bridge across frontier was reopened today Friday, two weeks after its closure owing to series of violent incidents which had taken place there.
Aside from minor incident early this morning when group of sixteen men from Chinese territory tampered with wire barricades at Hong Kong end of bridge there was no repeat no further repetition of yesterday's violent assault on these barriers.
During mornings brief incident a short burst of machine gun fire was heard from Chinese territory. It is not repeat not known from which point burst came or where it was directed.
Presence of large number of Chinese Communist personnel at bridge today and absence of trouble makers who yesterday threw stones and attempted to remove barricades indicated that Communist soldiers had situation firmly under control.
In light of today's improved situation at Man Kam To it was decided to reopen bridge at 3.15 p.m.
Announcement to this effect was broadcast at Man Kam To before barriers were removed. Announcement stated that having completed new security arrangements in area Hong Kong Government today announced that in response to appeals by farmers it had been decided to reopen bridge at Man Kam To this afternoon. will enable those farmers who have fields in Hong Kong territory to resume their normal peaceful cultivation.
This
An official spokesman said that it would also be possible now to resume transport of farm produce across bridge under proper control which will ensure law and order and safety of all concerned.
As already announced steps have been taken following recent violent provocations at Man Kam To to make security and defence arrangements which will prevent any recurrence of such lawlessness. These arrangements are now completed. Those who conduct this traffic from Chinese territory are reported to be anxious to resume it in normal fashion.
In these circumstances said spokesman it was to be hoped that under arrangements now completed they would be able to do so.
Officer Administering the Government Sent 1650Z/25 August Recd 1550Z/25 August
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