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As to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question, we have said on a number of occasions in recent weeks from this Despatch Box that the Hong Kong Government have our full and complete support in the measures they are taking to maintain public order, and their authority there. We are convinced that we must fulfil our full responsibilities and obligations in Hong Kong.
Mr. Dalyell: Are the Government reasonably convinced that there is a direct connection between Peking and the People's Militia?
Mr. Bowden: It is one of the difficulties of the position that one is not able to be absolutely sure about it, and I do not want to exacerbate the position.
The fact that on this occasion, whilst not actually engaged in activities, there was evidence of the Chinese army in the background, which would lead one to believe that if the incident was not instigated from the other side of the border, those on the other side were certainly in support of it.
Mr. Fletcher Cooke: Will the rt. hon. Gentleman answer directly the question put to him by my noble Friend the Member for Hertford (Lord Balniel)? Will he give a firm assurance that we intend to stay for the full length of our lease, and preserve the status quo of our position there?
Mr. Bowden: I do not think that a reply to a question of that sort at this stage would be at all helpful. We have made it clear on a number of occasions that we will accept our full responsibilities in Hong Kong. We want the Colony to settle down, to live in peace,
to get on with its normal trading, and we want to see an end to these incidents. I do not want to say anything that would make the position more difficult, because everyone in the House realises that if there is difficulty of the kind we have seen this weekend in any great measure from the other side of the border it could be very serious indeed.
Mr. James Davidson: Has the Secretary of State received or does he expect to receive a reply to the Government's note to the Communist Chinese Government in Peking?
Mr. Bowder: No, we have not had a reply as yet. We are however in touch with the Charge d'Affaire in Peking and expect within a matter of a day or two although this is a matter for the Foreign Office rather than for me to have a reply. But of course I cannot anticipate that.
Mr. Paget: To what extent does my rt. hon. Friend feel that this is action on behalf of the Chinese Government in giving notice to us that they intend to take over Hong Kong® If this is so, how far is it affected by the use of Hong Kong by the Americans particularly for maintenance purposes and what I believe is their largest consular staff in the world?
/Mr. Bowden:
No comments yet.
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