En Clair
HONG KONG TO COMMONKSALSH OFFICE (D.T.D.)
Unnumbered
UNCLASSIFIED
1 December, 1967.
TOP COPY
2:36
Hw
Press.
011930.
Take two. Answers follow.
Answer One. The Hong Kong Government was most certainly not (repeat not) "forced" to do anything by anyone.
Answer Two. Yes. There were several meetings when certain local border problems were discussed. The only reason we have not (repeat not) given further details of it so far is because Chinese Army officials who took part themselves asked us not (repeat not) to disclose that they had suggested such meetings. At no (repeat no) time were "demands" entertained points were raised on both sides which, on the whole, were discussed sensibly and in a spirit of cooperation.
Answer Three.
(a) Obviously there is no need to "guarantee" the safety of anyone who enters Hong Kong territory lawfully since they are adequately protected already under British law.
(b) Equally there is no (repeat no) need to guarantee anyone's rights to study Mao's Thoughts since such personal freedom already exists in Hong Kong.
(c) As you already know we have opened Man Kam To bridge. We also told Chinese officials that we had decided to remove old secondary fence, some of which is on land farmed by people living across the border. We explained this fence was now five year's old, rusty and overgrown and that we had replaced it with an improved fence further back. We also told Chinese officials that we would, at the same time as we removed this old fence, repair and improve the actual border fence and other necessary works.
(a) In the course of these discussions which included the return of the two missing constables we agreed to pay a sum of money (which has not yet been transferred because of the inability as yet of the Bank of China to effect the transfer).
Once aga in the officials on the othe. side specifically asked us not (repeat not) to mention this.
(e)
As you know we have already deported five people.
ECEIVED IN
No2,63
/ (f)
11W04/1
i
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