TNAG-2057-FCO40-2935-Armed-incursions-by-China-and-Royal-Navy-rules-of-engagement-1990 — Page 16

The Rt Hon John Gummer MP

House of Commons

LONDON

SW1A OAA

Standard

Issu

PS/Mr Maude

I submit a draft reply.

G/J Coglin

Thank you for your letter of 20 June enclosing one from your

constituent Mrs Persephone Booth of The Timbers, Church

Road, Kettleburgh, Nr Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 7LE about

alleged incidents in Hong Kong involving Chinese soldiers.

Mrs Booth seems to be misinformed about the position in Hong

Kong. Her suggestions that Chinese soldiers "steal whatever

they take a fancy to" is wide of the mark. It is true

however that there have been incursions into Hong Kong

X waters involving Chinese vessels. Whenyer these occur the matter is taken up with the Chinese authorities through

established border liaison channels or through the Political

Adviser's Office. In general the Hong Kong Government cooperates well with the Chinese authorities over such

matters.

X

be referring

Mrs Booth appears to refer in paragraph 3 of her letter to an incident which took place on 3/4 May.

This incident was

ALMACJ/1