0003160 G.F. 316
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28.
(f)
Page 15 of 15 Pages
Action by Security Forces against communist
lawbreakers either in the urban area or
the New Territories, could produce a
response by compatriots in the border area.
In short, as a consequence of the C.P.G.
decision to switch to a long term political struggle
against the Hong Kong Government, the external threat
posed by militants across the land frontier has diminished
considerably in the last few months. There is evidence
to show that, in line with official communist policy,
there is a desire by commune and militia leaders to avoid
open conflict with British Security Forces and to reduce
tension on the border. As throughout confrontation,
however, the area is extremely sensitive and there appears
to be a need for a continuation of security measures in
excess of those obtaining prior to confrontation, though
not to the full extent necessitated when tension was at its
peak. The overspill of the Cultural Revolution in China
and the increased militancy stemming there from among
communists, both in China and Hong Kong, in itself poses
a broad general threat to the security of the Colony
irrespective of any policy directives by the C.P.G. as
to cessation of open violence here.
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