0003230
G.F. 323
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CONFIDENTIAL
Hong Konig
THE COMMUNIST BOMB CAMPAIGN to 25th SEPTEMBER, 1967.
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Α.
B.
GENERAL,
1,
This paper covers the main aspects of the bomb campaign as conducted by the Communists during the present disturbances up to the 25th September. It also deals with Government's response to the campaign and its effect on the life of the community and public morale.
2.
To set the background, some general statistics may be useful. Although there were two bombs reported in June the campaign may be said to have started in earnest on 10th July. The total number of genuine bombs reported from that date to 25th September was 588. Of these, 179 exploded on contact before the arrival of a demolition team, and the remaining 407 were detonated or otherwise dealt with by these teams. 2453 reports were found on investigation to be false alarms or hoaxes. A further 59 bombs have been found in raids on left-wing premises. Casualties caused by the bombs up to 25th Sept- ember were six dead and 168 injured, apart from those treated for shock.
THE COMMUNIST CAMPAIGN AIMS AND METHODS.
Aims.
3.
Although attacks have been made on the security forces, public utilities and Government installations, these have not for the most part been very dangerous or pressed home with great resolution. In fact some of the more dangerous bombs have been planted well away from any strategic target. The general pattern is so haphazard and the range of targets so wide that it must be presumed that the Communist aim has been to frighten the population generally and sap their will to resist, thus undermining Government's position, rather than to cause injury or to disrupt the economic life of the Colony. Clearly the very widespread use of hoax bombs was also designed to this effect as well as to extend the security forces. A complementary aim of the campaign appeared to be to shake business (and tourist) confidence in the Colony; witness the bombs planted at various branches of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, Chartered Bank and Bank of America as well as the Hilton Hotel. This may be linked with the letters which have been sent to tourists in Hong Kong or businessmen abroad warning them of the dangers of life in the Colony.
Targets.
4.
In general, bombs have been planted in crowded commercial districts rather than in residential areas. While bombs have been found near strategic targets such as public transport (trams, buses and taxis), police and military establishments and Government and public utility installations (resettlement estate offices, telephone kiosks and electricity substations) as stated above, it appears that most of these have been planted with the intention of frightening essential workers or the general population rather than to damage any particular installation. Examples of bombs planted haphazardly
CONFIDENTIAL
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