TNAG-0038-FCO40-74-Border-incidents-with-China-1967 — Page 228

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3.

incident have resulted from the increased vigilance of the

local Communes to prevent escapes to Hong Kong during the

Cultural Revolution. We have no reason to believe that the

Chinese either locally or in Peking are seeking to provoke

a major border incident in Hong Kong. Furthermore, as

Mr. Hopson points out, the Chinese can be expected, in view of

the Canton Fair which is due to open on 15 April, to be

particularly anxious to avoid any serious friction with Hong

Kong just now. There is therefore a good chance that the

incident might be settled without serious escalation.

6.

However, if more mainlanders cross into the Colony to make

demonstrations against Hong Kong residents, the Governor

clearly cannot accept this and requires some guidance as to the

action he should take. In paragraph 3 of his telegram No. 338,

he has suggested arresting any further intruders as illegal

immigrants and immediately repatriating them. This would, as

the Governor has suggested, involve a serious risk of

escalation. We think, therefore, that we should suggest to

the Governor that he should not automatically treat these

intruders ss illegal immigrants but, if they give sufficient

cause, detain them for, e.g. disorderly behaviour and return

them immediately to the mainland.

(E. Bollend) 17 March, 1967

Copy to Mr. Carter, C.O.

CONFIDENTIAL