0003230
G.F. 323
CONFIDENTIAL
18-
15
In this it has succeeded, at a cost to the Colony of 51 lives. persons were killed by bomb explosions, including 2 members of the Folice,
an army sergeant and an officer of the Fire Brigade; and 8 other police officers were killed in other incidents. The various counter-measures that have been
The three main
taken in Hong Kong have had the full support of Her Majesty's Government in London which has on several occassions expressed its admiration for the
determination with which confrontation has been contained.
phases of the communist attack: demonstrations to gain popular support; stoppages of work to paralyse the Colony's economy; terrorism to undermine morale; have all failed. Great credit is due to the Police who have throughout exercised the greatest steadiness and restraint under the severest provocation, and who have at the same time dealt firmly with violence when it has arisen, with the minimum
of force and at the cost of severe casualties to themselves. But the spirit of determination and resolution informed all others who were concerned, whether they were members of the Government, members of the Armed Forces or
Confrontation is an issue that other auxiliary units, or private individuals.
same
ultimately affected the lives of everyone in the Colony and they all played a part in meeting it: some in the planning and organisation required to contain the different phases of the communist attacks; others by cheerfully working long hours, often under conditions of imminent personal danger, to keep the Colony functioning efficiently; and others again simply by going about their normal work and refusing to be panicked by communist threats and propaganda.
Confrontation may continue for some time in one form or another. spirit and with the firm support that has been given by Her Majesty's Government the people of Hong Kong will continue to overcome whatever new threats they may have to face and, with their inimitable energy, will drive Hong Kong on
to new peaks of prosperity and progress.
With this
CONFIDENTIAL