SCR 1/4731/49
CONFIDENTIAL
Record of Conversation between PA and NCNA on 1 November 1978
I asked Mr Tan (and Mr Li) to call today. I raised the following questions..
Immigration
2.
I gave him the figures for October and discussed in detail the problem of those claiming to have the Philippines as a destination. Full details of the figures are contained in Hong Kong telegram No. 1256 to the FCO.
Border Incident on 23 October
3.
I gave details of the intrusion which had occurred at 0250 on 28 October, saying that a sampan with two men on board (one armed) had been seen by one of our military patrols coming at least 1 km. into the Maipo Marshes. patrol had observed but taken no action.
4.
Our
I said that such incursions could have serious consequences if, for instance, our military patrols had thought those concerned were illegal immigrants and had tried to arrest them. We could not be sure precisely who was involved, although our report said that the two men on board appeared to be wearing uniform. Personally, I was convinced that they were not PLA since I knew Chinese soldiers to be well disciplined. They could, however, have been militia. I thought that the best way to handle such incidents and prevent future misunderstanding was to pass on all the information at my disposal to the NCNA and request them to do the same to the Kwangtung authorities so that an investigation could be carried out. I handed Mr Tan a map showing the point reached by the sampan.
5.
The NCHA took careful note. Mr Tan promised to pass on the information. He reminded me that the Kvangtung authorities had carried out a careful investigation the last time an incident had occurred. He thought those on the border were aware of the need not to have armed men straying across. Nobody wanted to have border incidents, particularly when relations were so good.
Chinese Military Mission to the Philippines
6.
Mr Tan said that he wished to give me preliminary varning that a high-level Chinese military delegation, led by a Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Wu Hisiu-ch'uan, would be passing through liong Kong on the way to the Philippines, probably on 12 November. He would give me full details as soon as he got them. He hoped that we would make· sure adequate precautions were taken for the safety of the delegation. I assured him that we would.
on file to 5 for £
CC
DOB DC37
HSI
(D C Wilson)
PA
CONFIDENTIAE:78
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.