Secret papers: Red Guards

Thursday 01 January 1998 00:02 GMT

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Secret papers: Red Guards

Harold Wilson considered placing the Chinese legation in Portland Place, central London, under armed guard after diplomats dressed like Red Guards began chanting pro- Mao, anti-British slogans from the legation steps and police officers were assaulted.

In the event, the government asked the Chinese to close the legation while stopping short of breaking off diplomatic relations with the Chinese.

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