TNAG-2057-FCO40-2935-Armed-incursions-by-China-and-Royal-Navy-rules-of-engagement-1990 — Page 19

From The Minister of State

The Hon Francis Maude MP

Rt Hon Sir David Steel KBE MP

House of Commons

LONDON SW1A OAA

Ра

(30)

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

London SW1A 2AH

3 July 1990

HKB 177

RECEIVED IN DE

Y

11 JUL 1990

See Sand

Thank you for your letter of 19 June enclosing one from 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 waters involving Chinese vessels. Whenever 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.