TNAG-0003-FCO40-39-Commission-of-Enquiry-into-the-Kowloon-disturbances-addition-1968 — Page 92

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PART IV THE MEASURES TAKEN TO DEAL WITH THE DISTURBANCES

in respect of the prearranged curfews. Whilst emphasizing the advantages of limiting as far as prudently possible the geographical boundaries of the area placed under curfew, we realize that in this as in other related matters, those responsible for recommending or ordering the curfew can be guided only by the circumstances presented to them at the relevant time.

267. The promulgation of a curfew throws up some problems but the primary object is quite clear. Since the aim and purpose of the measure is to get people off the streets and behind doors, it is clearly necessary to bring that obligation to the attention of everybody concerned as quickly and clearly as possible and highly desirable to allow ordinary law-abiding citizens an adequate opportunity of com- plying with it. If inadequate notice is given or insufficient measures taken to promulgate it, not only does the measure fail to achieve its aim but it can lead to much friction and recrimination with the ordinary law abiding citizen. We are satisfied that on the nights in question everything possible was done to inform radio listeners. That this was an effective way of spreading the information, emerged from a number of witnesses who, although they had been in the street most of the time, learned of the curfew by this means either secondhand or directly when they temporarily visited some premises. But getting the information across to those in the streets can present considerable difficulties and it may well be desirable to examine more fully the possibility of using for this purpose public address systems on helicopters as well as on vehicles.

268. Opinions may differ as to the desirability of flashing the message on cinema screens. The Commissioner of Police and others indicated that, if the notice was short, a measure of this kind might cause some panic and lead to unnecessary accidents, a view that is strongly supported by some of the Commis sioners but, certainly if adequate time is available, this could be a very effective way of spreading the news. Requests to hotels, restaurants, ferries, ships, etc. to make it generally known might also be helpful.

269. Some Commissioners feel that in view of the importance of curfew in combating disturbances, Government would be well advised to make some senior civil officer responsible for ensuring that all reasonable steps are taken to inform the community of curfew decisions, and that the police force and the Information Services Department should not alone be left with this responsibility, particularly as the police may be already heavily engaged in dealing with trouble in the

streets.

CHAPTER 3. USE MADE OF MILITARY FORCES AND

Military Forces

AUXILIARY DEFENCE UNITS

270. Since we heard no criticism in evidence of the use made of military forces during the disturbances and since the troops actually deployed did not fire any ammunition, we did not call for direct evidence from military commanders.