TNAG-0038-FCO40-74-Border-incidents-with-China-1967 — Page 131

PERSONAL AND SECRET

Mr. Hall

report-

This tas in with Gen. Carver's rep.c

Мо

Вален

For

Par on

Dustuabances

with Gross velements to Cos 1652/28/ 7/67 on Hwis 1019 (TS)

Foreign Office,

which is to be considered by cos tomorrow (already sent to you).

a

witle naughty of

Mr. Wilford

(though very useful to us) to write in this

2.

SF is perhaps

personal way.

directa

Dear Bunny,

Luse

31/7/67

S.W.1.

مرها

27 July, 1967.

I think you should see the enclosed copy of a letter from Michael Wilford of 18 July about the question of entrusting the responsibility for part of the Colony's frontier area to the army.

2.

You will see that Michael mentions in his paragraph 3 General Worsley's view that the tying up of nearly two of his battalions on the border causes him to think that he now requires four more battalions. You will also see, however, that General Carver seems to have agreed with Michael that, at least for the time being, these additional battalions are not required.

3. I should have thought that it was clearly desirable that as soon as possible the primary responsibility for security in the frontier area should revert to the police, thus freeing the army for their main task of acting as a reserve for internal security purposes.

4. Perhaps we could discuss this question at some stage. I do not think that Michael Wilford's letter calls for reply at the moment. But I have informed Sir J. Rennie (and he shares my view in paragraph 3 above) in case the question of reinforcing the Hong Kong garrison should come up at the Chiefs of Staff. You may wish to let your representative know also.

418

(E. Bolland)

RECL

།

ARCHI

W. S. Carter, Esq., C.V.O.,

Commonwealth Office,

Dependent Territories Division,

Church House.

HUJ 4/1

PERSONAL AND SECRET