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(11) The move of the Chinese 13th Army through the Colony has now started. 267 Brigade of 89 Division arrived in Garden City Kowloon, on October 4th, and 265 Brigade of the some Division 2 days later. The remainder of the Division are reported to be closing in on SHAM CHUN to their move across the border.
111. PIRACY.
Anti-piracy patrols recently established in the waters around HONG KONG have had lit le success in capturing any pirates, but from the lack of reports of piratical activities it would appear that the presence of these patrols had a deterrent effect. One junk with British patrol on board w s captured by forces under the control of Cdr. GICK, R.N., whose appreciation as regards establishing troops on various islands belonging to the British is as follows:-
(a)
Bandits and pirates are known to be operating on and from LANTAO, CHEUNG CHAU and various other small islands in the vicinity, Örder is at present maintained in these islands by Chinese guerilla forces, who will shortly be withdrawn leaving the Civil population in these places unable to defend themselves. (b) SAI KUNG on the mainland has been taken over by the Commandos from the guerillas. This was the pre-war police post to cover the islands round PORT SHELTIK.
(c)
In pre-war days the smaller islands were visited regularly by police launches, and this was found to be adecuate. It is felt that it would be uneconomical and impracticalble to maintain troops on the smalle: islands.
(a) It is thought that the most important places to be considered are LA TAO and CHEUNG CHAU and that the pre-war police routine of visiting all other islands periodically should be adequate, taking into account the already established anti- piracy patrols.
1V. COMMUNICATIONS.
A report had been received of an attempt made to inspect the KOWLOON- CANTON railway line crt. of d New Territories border. The party travelled by the daily train up to to WU and there contacted the local guerillas quartered in the railway station, on being informed of the purpose of the expition, namely, to inspect the line for possible re-opening in the near future so as to facilitate supplies to CANTON, a party of the guerillas agreed to join forces with their second-in-command as leader.
Approximately 2 miles further on from LO WU station was a Japanese guard post, and 300 yards beyond the line had been effectively blocked with a pile of sleepers 6 feet high and 6 feet wide, and an earth wall built against this. The sleepers were wired and spiked together. (This point is exactly opposite the SHAM CHUN Casing, now a heap of rubble). By agreement with the guerillas the Japanese Garrison Commander in SHAM CHUN was sent for 9 and the following information obtained from him: (a)
The area controlled the battalion stationed in SHAM CHUN extends to TONG TAU HA.
(b)
The line had been blocked on orders from CANTON about a week previously. The reason given was that "there was a lot of looting and this was to prevent it". This was the only block they had made.
(c) work).
The Japanese were willing to remove the block (4 hours The guerillas also agreed to this.
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