9.
lle was aware of the Mirs Bay incident to which Mr Li had referred. There were different versions of what had happened and the Hong Kong police did not accept the account given by the Chinese side. The police launch had not collided with the speed boat. After the incident occurred there had been an exchange of statements (on the following day when the body of the guard who had drowned was returned). Also, at the time the police launch had searched the water for two men overboard from the Chinese speed boat. One had been rescued, but they had been unable to find the second until his body was recovered the following day. Hong Kong police had also helped repair the speed boat engine. Mr Li commented that the police launch had come back to the scene in response to light signals from the speed boat. Dr Wilson said that Hong Kong was still considering that incident. Mr Tan had raised it with Mr Orr. It was important that when incidents occurred there was an effective way of reaching a solution. The idea of exchanging statements, recording the time, place and circumstances together with any damage seemed good. He would like to look at this in more detail and later to make suggestions as to how such accidents could be dealt with in future. It was normal practice in Hong Kong and for he RN to carry out a full investigation to establish the facts and to try to discover if anybody was to blame. That enquiry was now underway. completed he could not say whether there was any question of blame on one side or another. He should, however, point out that the hovercraft had been severely damaged. Pending the results of the enquiry, the Hong Kong side reserved the right to claim compensation.
Until it was
10e
Mr Li said that the Chinese patrol boat had been more severely damaged and an investigation was taking place on the Chinese side. The incident was viewed with concern in Canton. It was useful that records had been made on the spot. Dr Wilson concluded the discussion of the incident by saying that matters had gone better after the NCNA had been in touch with Canton. He noted that press comment had been restrained. The Government Information Services had kept details to the minimum. He repeated that such incidents, if they occurred, should be settled by co-operation in a friendly atmosphere and not by resorting to force or threats of force. Mr Li nodded agreement. He said that both sides knew such accidents could happen. If they did they should not be blown out of proportion in the press.
cc FED FCO
HK&GD FCO
Ref HK telno 337 of
Chancery PEKING )5 March 1980
Political Adviser's Office Government Secretariat Hong Kong
6 March 1980
CONFIDENTIAL
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