(Date)
And to:-
Repeat to:-
PEKING
POLAD SINGAPORE
Saving to:- WASHINGTON
Distribution:--
As for H.K.
tel. No.1840
کرا
Copies to:--
Emergency s Immediate "Fronty Romina
Security classification
If any
COPY. ORIGINAL BRING SBIT BY CO.
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SECRET ET
[Codeword-if any)
Hong Kong
Addressed to
telegram No.
(date)
I
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repeated for information to Peking and POLAD Singapore
Saving to Washington
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Your telegram No. 1840: Chinese Policy towards
Hong Kong
We have been very interested in the indicators
you refer to in paragraph 1. They point to
considerable uncertainty amongst the Chinese
may about policy towards Hong Kong and/betoken attempta
by the communists to disengage.
2. We agree, however, with the reading of the
situation in Peking telegram no. 347 and are not
convinced that the Chinese have any desire to talk
in în general terme about Hong Kong. It is possible
that they may in the near future be prepared to
pontuulet enter into some sort of exchanges about specific
questions, such as the deportation of prisoners,
the release of Grey or new border problems if they
arise; but it seems to us doubtful that they will
in the foreseeable future wish to go beyond this,
since they surely have little to gain and much to lose (in terms of
internal politics) if they do so.
3. Our view is that we should respond cautiously
to any apparent feelere towards understandings on /matters
SECRET
SECRET
matters in which the C.P.G. shows special interest. In doing
so we must avoid a situation in which we will have tied our
hande in an area where we could exert pressure, e.g. the communist
press, while leaving C.P.G. free to exploit other aspects of
confrontation.
4. If general talks with the Chinese on Hong Kong were to seem
a possibility we agree that there are arguments for holding them
elsewhere than in Hong Kong or Peking.
Kong or Peking. But we do not think that
contacts on specific points could be usefully pursued except in
Hong Kong or Peking, since it is usually necessary for such
"negotiations" to cover in some depth practical details of the
problem under discussion.
5. We agree with Hopson that the Chinese, if they wish to
disengage, will find it necessary to demonstrate some kind of
"victory". At some stage it may be useful to help them find a
face-saving formula but we should want to be pretty sure that
-
it would achieve the desired result. In any case this stage kas
not yet come. If it does, the Chinese will probably give us an
indication themselves of what they would expect. If we help them
in this prematurely, we are probably likely to encourage the
"extremists" rather than the "moderates".
SECRET
(01247) (2) 3004 TRAKS KA
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Registry FD
No.
FD 315
Top Secret.
Secret.
DCW
Confidential. 12/12
Restricted.
Unclassified,
Staff in Confidence.
Copy to:
Mr. Carter, Hong Kong
Department.
SECRET (Covering TOP SECRET
DRAFT
To:
Mr. Wilkinso)
-Submission
Type 1 +
From
RECE
ARCHIV>
ames Murray
Telephone No Ext.
1 8DEL 1967
Problem
FD31
Department
DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CHINESE ABOUT
TÙNG KONG
ساء
Flags
Flag A
Wores
The Governor of Hofle Kong has reported/
that various indications lead him to believe
that the Chinese may wish to hold general
ation's
scussions about Hong Kong.
He has suggested
a discreet approach to the Chinese indicating
Allienges
to explore the possibility of
reaching some sort of general understanding.
commated
Hopson has already red that he sees
the present situation as rather more complex
than the Govephor has suggested.
Recommendations
2.
I recommend that we should pour cold
water on the idea of general discussions with
the Chinese about Hong Kong. I attach a draft
telegram.
Background and Argument
3 Mr. Hopson has commented (Peking telegram
No. 322) that he sees the situation as rather
more complex and I share his view. The Gover-
nor of Hong Kong has concluded from various indications (Hong Kong
telegram No. 1840) that
/the
CONFIDENTIAL
the Chinese may be prepared to discuss in general
terms the problem of Hong Kong I
fear myself that he has been indulging in
(insert from previous plange
s ome wishful thinking.
While it is true that
there have been indications of uncertainty
amongst the Chinese about future policy towards
((Hong boung tel no 1834),
Hong Kong,
do not think that this means that
the Chinese now wish to enter into discussions.
From the Chinese point of view there is surely
nothing to be gained by such discussions and,
however secret they were, the Chinese would
always fear that news of such discussions would
leak out and be very hard to present convincingly
for internal propaganda consumption.
4.
general
Although/discussions to me/seen to be a
non-starter, I think there may be a possibility
of some kind of exchanges about specific
issues such as the deportation of prisoners,
the release of Kr. Grey or new border problems
if they arėse.
5. Mr. Hopson has also raised the question
of whether we should make some sort of gesture
to help a trend towards disengagement.
I game Bitt him this the
251% they will find it necessary to look
for some way of representing the events of the
last few months as a "victory" for Kaoism
Flag C
Flag B.
however untrue this may be in fact.
There
may come a time at which it will be in our
interests to help them to find some face-saving
way of putting forward this idea, but I do
not think that time has yet come. Although
we have strong indications of differences
/of
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NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
D4.033009 Op.843
SECRET
If
of opinion about Hong Kong between "moderates"
and "extremists", we do not yet know which line
if either, has come out on top. I think it
is much better in these circumstances to let
the Chinese work out their own salvation.
we do this and their policy does tend towards
disengagement, I am sure that sooner or later
they will give some indication of face-savin
solutionlab, they would like to see.
If,
6.
on the other hand, we now seek for ways to
provide them with their solution, it seers
to me likely that this would be taken as a
sign of weakness by the Chinese and only serve
to strengthen the hand of the "extremiato".
Kr. Hopson has also raised the question
of action against the communist newspapers
in Hong Kong. This has already been dealt
with in separate telegrams to Hong Kong, in
which we recommend that assessment for damages
in the case of the Wen Hui Pao should, f
the moment, be postponed.
for
269
ļ
Written AnSWETS
5 DECEMBER 1967
GIBRALTAR (INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION) 73. Mr. Bryant
Godman Irvine asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what
progress has been made with the British appeal to the Council of the In-
ternational Civil Aviation Organisation, under article 84 of the Chicago
Conven- tio regards the Spanish prohibition flights in the vicinity of
Gibraltar.
. William Rodgers: On 6th Sep- tember we filed with the International
Civil Aviation Organisation Council in Montreal a Memorial stating our
case over the Prohibited Area and setting in motion the appropriate
procedure for the settlement of disputes under Article 84 of the Chicago
Convention, Spain has been required to filc a Counter- Memorial by Ist
February, 1968.
MR. GERALD BROOKE
Sir J. Eden asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply
he has received from the Russian Govern- ment to his demands for the
immediate release of Mr. Gerald Brooke and if he will make a statement.
;
Mr. William Rodgers: I regret that the Soviet Government have now made
it clear to us that they will not release Mr. Brooke under the terms of
the amnesty.
HONG KONG
Sir W. Teeling asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what
arrange- ments he has made for discussions to take place during December
in Japan between British and mainland Chinese officials concerning Hong
Kong.
Mr. William Rodgers: None.
FOREIGN MINISTER (VISIT TO JAPAN)
Sir William Teeling asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
when he in- tends to visit Japan.
Mr. George Brown: I hope very much to be able to visit Japan early in
the New Year.
4 13 14
Written Answers
OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT Tanzania-Zambia Railway
270
74. Mr. Alexander Lyon asked the Minister of Overseas Development what
conclusions Her Majesty's Government have reached following their study
of the Maxwell Stamp report on the proposed railway link between
Tanzania and Zambia which has been in their possession since August,
1967.
Mr. Oram: The consultants' report was addressed not to Her Majesty's
Govern- ment but to a Committee of Ministers of the Governments of
Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. I have nothing further to add to the
replies my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Antrim, North
(Mr. Henry Clark) on the 9th November.--[Vol. 753, c. 1234.]
Fiji (Survey)
Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine asked the Minister of Overseas Development what
progress has been made with the survey of land resources in Fiji,
Mr. Oram: Three officers from the Directorate of Overscas Surveys are at
present taking part in this survey, and it is expected that a fourth
member will join the team next January. Over 80 per cent. of the
necessary new air photographs for difficult weather conditions.
Enumerators new mapping have been obtained, despite
are at work in the field gathering informa- tion to be used in land
classification. It is expected that they will finish their work towards
the end of 1968. Present esti- mates are that the timber resources
survey will occupy three seasons, that is 1967, 1968 and 1969. Land
classification data will be processed in Britain by computer.
Close liaison is being maintained with officers of the United Nations
Develop- ment Programme, who at the request of the Government of Fiji
are carrying out a study of forestry plantation development and timber
processing and marketing.
RAILWAYS
Wagons (Scottish Potatoes)
75. Mr. Buchanan-Smith asked the Minister of Transport if she is aware
of the difficulties of potato growers and
5/12/64
269w 755
+
PECTIVED IN
HIVES No.31
1 1 DEC 1967
FD3/5
8
p.c.
(9069) 14.832652 3m 1/47 G.WILM. Gp.363
5
FD315
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION
NOW
for ORAL answer on
до
F.ED.
The draft reply should reach the Parliamentary Office through your
Under-Secretary by
Noon on ilom. 4/12
Sir William Teeling (Brighton, Pavilion): To ask the Secretary of State
förForeign Affairs, what arrangements he has made for discussions to
take place during December in Japan between British and mainland Chinese
officials concerning Hong Kong.
5 December, 1967
De Likian Rooler
Побрел
None, Sir
Affered by the Rhodges
#.
he
pele.
ре
NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES
PD3/51
FD3/stw.
Sino-British Relations
1. I am quite prepared to discuss general questions of
Sino-British relations with the Chinese at any time they
show a wish to do so.
Questions on Internal Events in Hong Kong
2.
Questions concerning the internal affairs of Hong Kong
are for my right honourable Friend, the Commonwealth Secretary.
Future Plans for Discussions with the Chinese on Hong Kong
3.
I have no plans to hold discussions with the Chinese
Government about the status of Hong Kong.
AN Wisson Hanoice dogter
by 8/5
✓ Dec.
W-7
в рас
PQ for now
This is as agreed with
Hong Kong but has not yet gone, beyond
beyond my
whack here.
ANG
1.12,67
Draft Reply to Parliameätaw -westien kr
Colda
da Jackson, K.R
So far as the internal situation is concerned, there is
very little to add to the reply given by my boɑourable Friend, the
Minister of State, en 6th November to the Honourable Hember for
Easington. Bomb incidents have continued on a fluctuating scale
ve
and there have been a few minor demonstrations,
ocatimes against illegal. Communist activities.
Police action
Border exchanges betwen Hong Kong Government officials
and the local Chinese berder authorities were concluded on
25th November, The exchanges vere confined to local frontier lasuna
and agressent was reashed on the return to British territory of certain
Hong Kong police personnel who had been in Chinese hands for several
weska; the deportation to China of five persons arrested for offences
committed in British territory near the bordar; the opening of the
border bridge at Man Kam To; the ralonation of a våre fence which had
been erected by the Hong Kong authorities in 1962 for immigration
perpassaj the making of paysenta by the British side to offset losses
to certain farmers from Chiness territory resulting from the closure of
the Max Lun To Bridge and damage onused to certain graves by the
construction of military verka in British territory,
The British side made it clear that they accepted no blame
for the closure of Has Kas To Bridge. They also made it clear thaš any
parsons from Chinese territory who verited land on the Hong Kong alde
vere free to cross the frontier to engage in farulag and other
activities
providing that they behaved in a normal orderly manner.
E
Kr. Wilkinson
Parliamentary Office
CONFIDENTIAL
RECE.. ARCH
t
1 1 DEC 1967
+D3/5
31
Question by Sir William Keeling
There was press speculation about two weeks ago,
amanating from Hong Kong, to the effect that the Secretary
of State was going to hold talks with the Chinese in Japan
during his proposed visit there. News Department have already
made it clear in answer to enquiries here that no such talks
had been planned or were being considered.
2. The press speculation presumably arose from distorted
rumours about the talks which took place between Hong Kong
Government officials and the Chinese border authorities between
1 and 25 November. These talks have now been successfully
concluded with an exchange of "captured" personnel, and
agreement by the Hong Kong Government to make an ex gratia
payment to Chinese peasants who were prevented from entering
Hong Kong by the closure of one of the border bridges, and to
pay compensation for certain graves which were destroyed during
the course of constructing some military defences near the
border.
3. The Chinese originally asked that these discussions
should be kept secret. On 30 November, however, they published
a fairly accurate account of what had been agreed and,
predictably, claimed it as a great victory. The Hong Kong
/Government
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
2
L
Flag A
wi7
Government have therefore confirmed that discussions took
place, and in answer to a question also down for Tuesday,
5 December, the Commonwealth Secretary will make a
statement giving brief details of what was agreed.
of the draft for this statement is attached.
James
Hurey
(James Murray) 4 December, 1967
A copy
Paul Office.
Philkunison
The 4th 1967.
CONFIDENTIAL
ра
xu
TELEGRAM SECTION Room 124 K.C.S.
Communications Department
FD3/5
FED
* Please send copies of the following telegram
3
W.
YTC/1
Copy/ies of the following telegram has/have been sent
(* delete as applicable)
Peking
N- 321
8/12.
TO:
H.K Sie. (Fo.)
(Signed)
(Department).............
(Date)...
Action taken in Communications Department:
(Initials)............DZ.
(Date).....
8/12
AFTER ACTION THIS FORM SHOULD BE SENT TO
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[
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CONFIDENTIAL
PRIORITY PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
Telno. 321
RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES No.31
1 1 DEC 1967
8 December 1967
FD375
لة
CONFIDENTIAL
Addressed to F.0. telegram No. 321 of 8 December Repeated for
information to:
Hong Kong, POLAD Singapore, Washington.
fc 3/3 y telegram No. 317: Chinese Protest about Hong Kong.
You will have noted that the statement as published included the phrase
about further deterioration of Sino/British relations. In my telegram
No. 315 I said this had been said in an Aside. This was an eror and i
have confirmed from our notes that it was in fact part of formal
statement. We must therefore attribute to it a little more meaning.
Nevertheless general tenor of the conversation was not particularly
minatory.
F.O. pass Priority Hong Kong 163, Routine POLAD Singapore 46, Washington
46.
F.0.
Mr. Hopson
[Repeated as æquested]
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CONFIDENTIAL
IMMEDIATE PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
Telno. 315
CONFIDENTIAL
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6 December 1967
103/5
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 315 of 6 December, Repeated for
information to Hong Kong, POLAD Singapore and Washington.
My immediately preceding telegram.
3
This interview which was in a comparatively low key seems a
formalisation of the Chinese position as explained to me by Mr. Kao on 2
December. It does not seem to introduce any new elements. The emphasis
throughout was that the Chinese Government expected our actions to match
our words and that if Sino British relations were to improve we must
show our goodwill by actions in Hong Kong. The veiled threat contained
in Hsueh's statement that if suppression in Hong Kong continues
relations could only deteriorate Turther was made as an aside and not
(repeat not) as part of the formal statement. I concluded therefore that
our star is now firmly hitched to Hong Kong but that the Chinese
Government may still be willing to take further steps to normalise our
position here if by some gesture in relation to Hong Kong we were to
give them the opening to do so.
2. I suggest we should wait for the N.C.N.A. version before making any
comment. I recommend that the News Department should in reply to any
question confine themselves to saying that I Teject the protest and to
rebutting Chinese version of the events as necessary. It would be
preferable to avoid comment on the wider subject of Sino-British
relations.
Foreign Office pass Hong Kong 157 Immediate, POLAD Singapore 42
Priority, Washington 12 Priority.
Mr. Hopson.
[Repeated as requested}
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