TNAG-0040-FCO40-76-Border-incidents-with-China-1968 — Page 15

274

EN CLAIR

PRIORITY HONG KONG TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

TELNO. 754

13 June, 1968

RECEIVED IN

ARCUS

14 JUN 1968

UNCLASSIFIED

HEJA4/1

Addressed to C.0. telno. 754 of 13 June, repeated for information to Peking, PA Singapore.

272

My telegram 738: H.K. Border.

The following reply was passed to NCNA by telephone on 12 June.

Begins:

We welcome the fact that the Kwangtung authorities concerned have taken note of the expression of regret conveyed to the farmers at Lo Wu following the unforeseen tear smoke accident which occurred on 29 May.

We cannot accept that the blame for the incidents which followed the original accident on 29 May rests on our side alone, but we naturally regret that such incidents should have taken place and are ready to give an assurance that we shall do whatever is possible on our side, having regard to the circumstances, to prevent a recurrence. In return we must ask you to ensure that unruly behaviour on the part of the peasants, particularly such as that which involved the tearing down of the British flag at Lo Wu, will not recur.

Hong Kong border officials will continue to behave reasonably and courteously towards the peasants from Chinese territory who farm land on British territory, provided always that the peasants on their part also act reasonably and courteously towards our officials and do not attempt to use force or violence in their dealings with them.

As regards the stationing of additional troops and police at Lo Wu, although this is a matter which is the concern solely of the British authorities, the Kwangtung authorities will have noted that a number of the additional personnel who were stationed in the area as a result of the incident have now been withdrawn. This is because during the past week conditions at Lo Wu have been relatively peaceful. If they remain peaceful, there will in due course be a further reduction in the number of personnel stationed at Lo Wu.

We reiterate our firm intention to respect the border agreement reached last year and to maintain peace and stability in the border areas, and, as we stated in our message of 4 June, we would expect an indication of a similar intention from the appropriate Chinese authorities.

Ends.

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