TNAG-0050-FCO40-86-Disturbances-essential-food-supplies-1968 — Page 72

Cypher/Cat A

CONFIDENTIAL

IMMEDIATE HONG KONG TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (D.T.D.)

Telno 1270 19 August, 1967

CONFIDENTIAL

Addressed to Seoul telegram No. 13 of 19 August. Repeated for information to: C.0.

Food Supplies.

COP

TOP COPY

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In the light of the present erratic nature of rail traffic from China and the general evidence of a lack of firm organisation, I am concerned about the future availability of supplies of food from China. The incident on 11 August at Man Kam To, which made it necessary to close temporarily the road connection with China, means that all supplies must for the present come by rail or sea transport. Moreover, there is always the possibility that a politically inspired stoppage of supplies to Hong Kong may be organised either to cover economic disorganisation or in support of local Communist agitators.

2. Local importers are reluctant to risk investment in bringing forward alternative supplies as long as China has the ability to flood the market with cheap agricultural products. In these circumstances, I wish to send a delegation of three Government Officers to investigate the feasibility of tapping alternative supplies, preferably through commercial channels, but they would be ready to consider Government to Government arrangements if this were the only means of securing supplies. 3. Our main requirement will be for meat, either live or frozen, particularly cheap pork and beef. Additional but smaller supplies of fresh vegetables, fish, salt and cooking oil may also be required but these could probably be obtained through ordinary commercial channels. 40 I should be grateful to know:

5.

(a) whether you consider such a delegation would achieve anything;

and

(b) whether you could arrange visits to appropriate Government

Departments next week from 21-26 August. Grateful for immediate telegraphic reply.

(Please pass Immediate to Seoul).

Officer Administering the Government

[Repeated as requested].

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

C.O. H.K. and W.I.D. 'C'

F.E.P.D.

F.O. S.E.A.D.

F.E.D.

DIS MOD

Sent 0442Z 19 August Recd 0505Z 19 August

ADVANCE COPIES SENT.

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HWAY/5

CONFIDENTIAL