TNAG-1020-FCO40-1270-Liaison-between-Hong-Kong-and-China-on-security-matters-1981 — Page 8

Mr Watkins

Defence Department

(E320)

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CONFIDENTIAL

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PROPOSED LIAISON BETWEEN CBF HONG KONG AND PLA COMMANDER IN GUANGDONG

1.

2.

Mr McLaren's minute of 28 August to you (Paragraphs 5 and 6).

I quite agree with Mr McLaren that we should consult the Political Adviser about the proposal for contacts between General Chapple and the Guangdong Commander. I can see that there could

be local advantages in this, particularly to reinforce the discussions on limited security questions which the Political Adviser has himself recently had with the Guangdong authorities. On the other hand, there would certainly be political difficulties if the CBF Hong Kong appeared to be establishing contact with the central Chinese Govern- ment. Although General Chapple would probably handle any contacts of this sort very sensitively, they could be misunderstood in Hong Kong and elsewhere. I would certainly not exclude some sections of the press representing them as having a political character and possibly presaging some sort of sell-out. However, the important thing is to seek the views of the Governor and the Political Adviser.

Bun

1 September 1981

R D Clift

Hong Kong and General Department

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Mr McLaren, FED

CONFIDENTIAL

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folio

02611

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香港下亞畢道

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CONFIDENTIAL Latin D

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GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT

LOWER ALBERT ROAD

HONG KONG

Hong Kong & General Department FOO

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28 July, 1981

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BORDER SECURITY LIAISON MEETINGS

212

In my letter of 11 May I reported on the conclusion of a preliminary agreement with the Guangdong authorities on border security liaison reached during meetings in Guangzhou from 5 - 7 May. I enclosed with that letter a copy of a draft memorandum recording the agreement which I later handed to NCNA asking for their confirmation that the Guangdong authorities accepted it as a true record.

2.

After some delay the Guangdong authorities came back to us, through NCNA, with their own translation of the agreement. This was partially re-ordered and had one or two minor differences with the copy I had passed to them. of these was significant.

None

3.

I have now confirmed to NCNA that we will accept their version and our translation of it (both attached for the record) as a record of the understanding reached in Guangzhou. I added a minor gloss to clause 3 (iv) to the effect that special arrangements would be required if those attending meetings from the Chinese side wished to stay in Hong Kong after meetings or, possibly, if the meetings were held outside the immediate border area.

4.

The first border liaison meeting was held in Hong Kong territory on 30 June. It discussed how to set up a direct, 24-hour telephone connection. The lines and telephones are now being installed. The atmosphere at the meeting was friendly and businesslike.

5.

The second meeting is due to be held on 31 July at Shenzhen. I reckon that it will take six months to a year before we see whether these liaison arrangements are going to be genuinely helpful. At least we have made a/start.

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(D C Wilson)

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RJT McLaren (FED)

M W Atkinson Esq MBE (PEKING)

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