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PART III THE DISTURBANCES
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1.300 calibre carbines; the fourth section's task is to secure prisoners. In addition, a number of platoons engaged in riot suppression on this occasion carried the Federal Gas gun and used it to fire wooden projectiles only. The whole company is mobile and Company Headquarters is equipped with a radio in a land-rover for communication with each of its platoons and with District Headquarters. Each platoon is similarly self-contained with a wireless land-rover for Headquarters and two large personnel carrying vehicles for the striking force.
106. Following on these preparations, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. HEATH, convened a meeting at noon at Colony Police Headquarters, attended by all major police formation commanders, the Defence Secretary, the Chief of Staff, Head- quarters British Forces, and the Director of Information Services. The events on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon since the beginning of SO Sau Chung's hunger strike were reviewed in detail, as was the threat of any political or triad interest in, or exploitation of, the position. No evidence of organized political or triad organization was disclosed but it was considered that a potentially dangerous situation was discernible, which could develop into disturbances and rioting if demonstrations by teenagers and youths continued. It seemed likely that they would continue, the evening of 6th April being reckoned the main danger period immediately ahead.
107. Accordingly the Regular Force on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon was ordered to be mobilized in emergency structure by 7 p.m., while the Auxiliary Police were placed on stand-by from 8 p.m. The military brought one company of the 1st Bn. Queen's Own Buffs to one hour's notice and alerted the remainder of the garrison to the situation. Full Force mobilization was ordered at 10.50 p.m. including the Auxiliary Police.
108. On full mobilization, the distribution of Police manpower in Kowloon District on the night of 6/7th April was as follows:
Uniformed Branch
2,655
C.I.D.
347
J
Divided between:
Riot companies
947
Stations
819
half on duty and half off duty
Mobile patrols
127
half on duty and half off duty
Foot patrols
383
half on duty and half off duty
Special &
unallocated
328
Pol./Mil. H.Q.
51
109. Western Magistracy. Meanwhile at 10 a.m. on April 6th, SO Sau Chung appeared at Western Magistracy to answer a charge of obstruction on the previous afternoon. The publicity given by the press to the activities of the demonstrators added to the growing mood of public excitement and ensured that the proceedings