0003160 G.F. 316
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Reference : T.S. 4/60 II
5/241
Page No. of 15 Pages, Copy No.29 of 50 Copies.
Special Branch, Hong Kong Police.
Date: 25th March, 1968.
AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EXTERNAL THREAT TO SECURITY
IN THE BORDER AREA
INTRODUCTION
The progress of the Cultural Revolution in
China, the increasing accent on the teachings of MAO and
local communist confrontation with the Hong Kong Government
gave rise in June, 1967, to a new attitude amongst
residents of Chinese Territory in the Border Area. This
took the form of increased militancy on their part, a
desire to extend the propagation of the "Thoughts of MAO"
into British Territory and determined efforts to heighten
tension generally throughout the length of the Sino-
British Frontier. In short they wished to play a part in
the confrontation. Subsequent violent aspects of their
hostility necessitated a British Army presence which did
not exist before in the immediate Border Area. This
paper seeks to assess the present external threat in that
area.
GENERAL SITUATION IN THE BORDER AREA BEFORE CONFRONTATION
2.
The Border Area was generally peaceful in the
twelve months prior to the start of communist confrontation
with the Hong Kong Government in May, 1967.
However,
the residents of Chinese Territory were attending a
greater number of political meetings, and it became
increasingly apparent that the leaders of the communes
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