TNAG-0038-FCO40-74-Border-incidents-with-China-1967 — Page 160

Lieutenant-Colonel Denis O'Leary commands the

1st/7th Battalion. Suppose a thousand unarmed Red Guards shouting slogans, waving banners, and prepared to grab sticks and stones cross into the British side of the town.

The riot police would be reluctant to face them.

Would O'Leary use his Gurkhas? He might not have time to consult Fanling let alone London.

And what about company commander Major Iain Tedford, 30 or 40 yards from the frontier?

If he is attacked, does he fire back? If he is attacked severely does he call in mortar and artillery support?

So far as I know, there is no stated British policy on Hong Kong's long-term future. Until recently, it could be argued that there was no need for one.

This cannot be argued any longer.

Ends.

Distribution H.K. W.I.D. 'C'

I.G.D.

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