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D.
6
Most
rewards offered for information have not had much effect in producing useful information, though this aspect is still being followed up. police action so far against bombers has been as a result of information obtained from arrested suspects, though a number of bombs and bomb materials have been found in raids on Communist premises.
20. bombs:-
(a)
(b)
(c)
21.
Legal Measures.
A number of new regulations have been introduced to deal with
on 22nd July, the definition of "explosive substance" in the Emergency (Principal) Regulation was amended to include materials for making any explosive substance or apparatus for causing explosions,
On 12th August these regulations were further amended to permit the imposition of heavier sentences by the District Courts for offences under these regulations, with explosives particularly in mind.
On 5th September a further two emergency regulations were passed making it an offence to be in possession of simulated or hoax bombs.
Prosecutions.
Up to 25th September, 40 persons had been prosecuted for offences involving explosives or explosive devices. Most of these prosecutions were taken under the emergency regulations making it an offence to be unlawfully in possession of offensive weapons and explosive substances or to consort with such persons. Some prisoners have been charged under the Explosive Substances Ordinance Cap. 206 or the Arms and Ammunition Ordinance Cap. 238. Sentences of eight years have been given by the District Courts for the more serious offences.
EFFECTS OF THE CAMPAIGN,
22.
The bomb campaign has had remarkably little effect in Hong Kong thanks to the calmness and staying-power of the people and the efforts of the Police and bomb disposal teams. The number of serious casualties has been relatively low and property damage slight. There have inevitably been disruptions of normal life, such as traffic hold-ups while areas were cordoned off for bomb disposal, but these have been a temporary nuisance rather than damaging to the economy or public morale
Colonial Secretariat, 20th October, 1967.
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