CONFIDENTIAL
that no servicemen were deployed against the occupants of the island. Law and order has now been restored, though it appears that some 1000 South Vietnamese had taken shelter from their Northern counterparts on a pontoon moored off the island.
4. There has as yet been no further UK press interest, but as a precaution I have produced a defensive line for use by the Press Office which has been agreed with the FCO. This is attached.
5. We will obviously keep Minister (AF) informed of any further significant incidents in the normal way, but he will wish to be aware this has led to renewed calls from some elements of the Hong Kong community for the garrison to take on guarding of the VBP camps and more general responsibilities for the VBP matter. CBF has responded to such calls by reiterating HMG!s position that such tasks are a matter for the civil authorities; that there would be serious presentational difficulties both locally and internationally if the military were to take on guarding tasks; and that we cannot commit ourselves to activities which would threaten the ability of the garrison to carry out its military roles. But pressure is likely to intensify, particularly once LEGCO reassembles in October. There is no reason to change our current line, but it may be necessary to provide further support from London to back up CBF's position, and we will need to watch carefully-- for any signs of local dissatisfaction with the garrison's position and progress on non-voluntary re-patriation combining to create major security problems in the camps.
CONFIDENTIAL
Marta Havant
M L HOWARD Sec (O) (C)
MB5314 6272MB
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