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Chinese tactical doctrine emphasises, the importance of the
concentration of overwhelmingly superior strength. We therefore
do not consider this method of attack further.
15.
Deliberate attack. We consider below four possible courses
of action which the Chinese might take. In any of the se,
military operations would be supplemented by riots, strikes and
sabotage by Communist sympathisers among the civilian population.
(a) Course A. A massed frontal assault against the main
defences in the New Territories. This would be a simple form
of attack, with the maximum artillery support. A disadvantage
would be the comparatively narrow front (about 8 miles) and
the danger of presenting worthwhile nuclear targets to the
defence.
(b) Course B. A large scale seaborne assault against the
New Territories or Hong Kong Island, or both, with secondary
land attacks in the New Territories.
A considerable amount of
practice would be required and the concentration of shipping
might prejudice surprise. Chinese amphibious resources are
believed to include only one Sea Transport Division and this
might well be required elsewhere. There would be the serious
danger of interference by warships and aircraft. The Chinese
would very likely consider this an excessively hazardous operation.
(c) Course C. A massed frontal assault against the New
Territories combined with small diversionary soaborne attaoks
against the Now, Territories, Hong Kong Island, or both. It
might be possible to achieve surprise and confuse the defenders.
The small-scale seaborne attacks would be within the capabilities
of the Chinese.
(a) Course D. A massed frontal assault against the New
Territories combined with strong seaborne attacks against the New
Territories, Hong Kong Island, or both. This course would be
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B
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