CONFIDENTIAL
Hong Kong telegram No. 1530 to Commonwealth Office (D.T.D.)
7.
- 2
At 1940 hours an attempt was made by armoured· cars to procure Knight's release. Before they could reach him he was taken across the bridge. Shortly after this ne District Commissioner with military escort went up to the bridge and broadcast a demand for Knight's return. No reply was given.
8.
We intend tonight to inform our usual N.C.N.A. contact of the facts stressing that Knight was abducted apparently by local peasants and taken against his will into Chinese territory and to say that we take a serious view of the incidents and expect Knight to be returned forthwith to Hong Kong. We also intend to close the bridge at Man Kam To at any rate for a limited period.
9.
Particularly in order that the authorities in Peking should know of the incident, I believe it would
be useful for a demarché in similar terms to be made as soon as possible preferably to the Chinese Chargé d'Affaires in London.
Commonwealth Office please pass Peking No. 569
and Washington No. 319.
Sir D. Trench
Sent 15372 14 October Recd 15372 14 October
[Repeated as requested.
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