SECRET
Hong Kong
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NOTES FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CABINET MEETING,
THURSDAY, 14TH SEPTEMBER
The Secretary of State may wish to inform his colleagues that the
situation within Hong Kong remains under firm control. Having failed to
get the support of the general public, the local Communists have now in their
frustration resorted to terrorism; this could seriously damage public confidence
if it became more widespread and continued over a long period. However, the
past week has been comparatively quiet. Statements made by Communist officials
during meetings held to discuss C.P.G. National Day (1st October) celebrations
indicate that they wish to lower tension before the beginning of the October
festivities and there has been a recent moderation in the tone of the Communist
Press. But it cannot be assumed that the present apparent change in tactics
is intended to last beyond the period of the celebrations.
2.
More detailed notes on various aspects of the situation are set out below.
Terrorism
3. The most notable recent feature of the Communist confrontation has been
their use of bombs and other explosive devices. In the three-week period up
to 11th September, more than 1,000 bomb reports were made but only 150 proved
to be genuine. So far 7 people have been killed and a large number injured.
The campaign is placing a strain on bomb disposal teams and a lot of their time
is wasted on investigations of fake devices, the possession of which has now
been made an offence. There is no evidence of a central authority directing this
bomb campaign and it appears to be in the hands of local groups; as a result the
police task is more difficult.
4. There has been public pressure for the introduction of the death penalty
for possession of bombs, explosives etc. The matter is still under consideration
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