¡ DEC 1955
›NIAL
Secretariat File 8/4841/52
SAVINGRAM
SECRET
#531
To the Secretary of State for the Colonies
From the Governor, Hong Kong.
Date
• •
November,.1955..
No. 1.995....
Rptd:
✰ PEKING 18
Commissioner-
General, SINGAPORE
SECRET
1
Interference with a fishing vessel by a Chinese
armed junk in Deep Bay.
The Chinese owner and commander of a Hong Kong registered fishing vessel F.373. HC reported to the Police on 4th November that, while fishing in Deep Bay at approximately map reference 365245 about 1,000 yards from shore at 1130 hours (local time) that day he had been approached and hailed by four single-masted junks coming from Chinese territory. Seeing that one of the junks carried at least 6 men armed with rifles, he decided to run for shore. The junk then opened fire. About 30 rounds were fired and the junks pursued as far as map reference 358226. They then turned across Deep Bay and made for Chinese territory.
2.
As far as is known, the firing came from one junk only. No uniform, flags or identification were seen on any of the junks, but the majority of the crew were dressed in dark blue overalls with dark blue cloth caps and were probably Chinese militiamen.
3.
Two of the owner's children were injured, a boy aged 15, who received lacerated wounds on the face and legs, apparently caused by ricochet, and a girl aged 9, who received lacerated wounds on the left leg. A number of obvious bullet holes and one spent bullet were found in the vessel.
4.
In view, however, of the ambiguous wording of the Convention of 1898 regarding use of these waters by Chinese vessels (your Savingrams No. 834 of 20th August, 1948, and No. 95 of 16th June, 1950, refer) and, in any case, the doubtful identification of the Chinese junks and crews, I do not (repeat not) consider that we should make any protest to the Chinese Government over this incident.
MEMORANDUM
From S Bailey. Shu Mo
TO MR. C. LEEITS.
HKD.
WH⋅ 312.
Subject
Seusche Pyrs
HONG KONG RELATO) FINES
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Your reference
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This form may be completed in manuscript. A reply can be written on the back
844/4 Dd8200046 4,000pads 9/80 RG.Ltd. 799
65
Reference
Fo 371
371/
115058 115 122 115194 115063 115132 115087115157 115152 11500 115165
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