SECRET
HONG KONG
FRONTIER SITUATION
Chinese military activity (which seems however to be
designed to ensure firmer control by the Chinese Army of
their side of the border) has continued to cause local appre-
hension.
2. The primary responsibility for the security of the
frontier is being assumed by the military as an interim
measure. They are more suitably equipped to deal with armed
incursions of the kind experienced at Sha Tau Kok and it is
believed that their presence there will be a deterrent against
any further similar incursions. Their role on the border
is to maintain observation and to take immediate action
against any incursion. The doctrine of minimum force will
still apply and the forward troops are equipped with tear gas
which would normally be the first weapon used by the Police.
3. The Police will continue to carry out all their other
normal functions in the border area and will reassume their full
responsibilities as soon as tension is sufficiently reduced.
SECRET