TNAG-0038-FCO40-74-Border-incidents-with-China-1967 — Page 244

CONFIDENTIAL

**2-

Q

that while we have no objection to the construction of the bridge or and small dam, we should prefer that such activities, which

impinge on British territory, should not be put in hand by villagers on the Chinese side without consultation with the local authorities on the H.K. side. Though we are always prepared to consider adjusting the arrangements for getting through the frontier fence where this can be shown to suit the general convenience of the villagers who cross the border to work, we regard it as important in principle that there should not be too many gaps in the fence and that no unauthorised person should make any gaps; and we are sure that this principle, which has as its object the proper control of the border, is in the general interests of both sides.

5.

I am sending a copy of this letter and enclosure to Rosa in the Commonwealth Öffice and to Denson in the Foreign office.

CONFIDENTIAL

(T.A.K. Elliott)