CONFIDENTIAL
the 1967 riots which were only contained "by a whisker".
This is due to an increase in population and the
building of high rise flats which could easily be
converted into strong points for militant rioters.
b. Border Violations. There is a real and constant
danger of infringement along the 17 mile border with
China, and in consequence erosion of Hong Kong's authority.
Some 200-300 farmers cross the border each day to work in
communal farms in the New Territories and they are
habitually hostile to British authority and ready to
exploit any real or imagined grievance. During 1975 there
were 12 infringements of British territory by Chinese
soldiers in pursuit of illegal immigrants, 3 of which involved
shooting incidents.
C.
Illegal immigration from China. Legal immigrants
enter Hong Kong at a current rate of 2,500-3,000 each month.
In addition an average of 450 are detected entering illegally,
and this situation needs careful control.
d.
frites
A deliberate attack by the Chinese Army. In the
present climate of mu tual self interest the likelihood
of this is remote.
Against the background of these threats there are clearly
·
three important and valid roles for British forces in Hong Kong.
to demonstrate that Britain intends to maintain the status quo;
to
internal security operations in support of the civil power and
to prevent incursion along the border. The fourth role -
resist attack is fortunately unlikely to be tested in the
near future.
CONFIDENTIAL