CONFIDENTIAL
2ND DRAFT
in which the arrangements for a Constitutional Convention may go
ahead smoothly, with the object of creating new institutions, based
on power-sharing, to replace the former Executive.
32. The Armed Forces have pursued a steady campaign against
terrorism from whatever source. They have conducted it with the
utmost care to avoid unnecessary inconvenience to law-abiding
citizens. By their rigorous work throughout the year to frustrate
lawlessness, the Security Forces have greatly undermined the strength
of, and support in the community for, the terrorist organisations.
The level of violence has been significantly reduced and there has
been a period of steady progress in restoring law and order.
33. In the past year Ľ
people were arrested
C
J
people were
and charged with offences of a terrorist nature, of which /
relate to murder or attempted murder.
given Detention Orders under the Northern Ireland (Emergency Pro-
visions) Act. C
7 rounds of ammunition
tons of explosive were recovered. These successes
and
7 firearms, Ľ
There
are reflected in the gradual but significant reduction in nature and
number of violent incidents, particularly in the large cities.
[] rocket attacks by the Provisional IRA in which
rockets were fired;
were
were fired on [
or small arms fire.
and
mortar bomb 3
7 occasions often in conjunction with rocket
The level of bombing at a monthly average of
7 for 1974 represents a reduction/increase since 1973 when
7 per month. Similarly, shooting incidents
show an increase/decrease over
the figure was
at a monthly average of Ľ
1973 when there were on average
STA
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CONFIDENTIAL
shootings monthly.