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Hong Kong telegram No. 1285 to Commonwealth Office
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The dilemma of the CCA is illustrated by the incidents on British territory at Man Kam To and Takuling where the Chinese crossing the border were determined men. Against such determination verbal mu persuasion by the CCA has no effect. In addition, the CCA ispl inhibited from using physical force because of its direction to show proper respect for the wishes of the masses, moreover, there is little the CCA can do to control an incident once it has developed on British territory, short of opening fire. At present it is unlikely that the CCA would fire on our security forces unless we had already fired on their civilians inflicting casualties.
10. There is little doubt that morale in Communist organisations will be boosted to some extent by the latest CPG protest but unless there is firm evidence of more active support, morale will quickly drop again. The use of more powerful and sophisticated explosive devices, and the tragic death of two young children, will further alienate the general public, and isolate the local Communists.
However, despite the feeling amongst some Communists that they will be unable to obtain the support of the masses in Hong Kong, there is every indication that they intend to persist in their policy of confrontation with Hong Kong Government, and the use of gelignite suggests that more serious attacks can be expected, possibly against selected civilian and Government targets.
C.O. pass to Washington as my telegram 271 and Canberra as telegram No. 77.
0.A.G. Hong Kong
Sent 0950 22 August
Recd 11152 22 August
[Repeated as requested]
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION C.O. H.K. & W.I.D. "C"
I. & G. Dept.
News Dept.
F.0.
F.E.D.
J.I.P.G.D.
J.I.R.D.
Overseas Labour Adviser
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