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IMMEDIATE HONG KONG TO COMMONWELSH OFFICEN DT.D
lno 1320
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T.D.)
CHIVES No. 63
29 129
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73
(72)
Security of Border.
For some weeks now we have been considering the best means of securing the border area with the resources available to us.
2. We have to accept that we cannot exercise complete control
of the border line. We may expect local incursions and demonstrations at the crossing points to continue for some time. There is always the possibility that these may become larger and penetrate deeper into the Northern parts of the border area. In addition there
is the threat of a mass influx of refugees into Hong Kong if authority in Kwangtung Province breaks down.
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3. In the light of these threats I have authorised the building of a substantial wire obstacle on an alignment from the Shum Chun river immediately north of San Tin to Sha Tau Kok. Its distance south of the border line varies from 1,000 yards to 3,500 yards. Its alignment has been selected as far as possible to cross Crown hand on hills unencumbered by cultivation and dwellings. But some requisitioning will be necessary. Legislation exists for this and it is proposed to pay compensation. Resumption will be instituted at a la. date when the degree of permanency of the
Suitable publicity is under preparation.
obstacle is decided.
4. The obstacle will be about 30 feet wide. It will consist of two main rows of Bannert wire coils, each about seven feet high and covered with barbed wire. In between these two rows there will be four further coils of Bannert wire placed horizontally.
5. The object of this obstacle will be to stop land incursions of all kinds. If these are aggressive they will be dealt with in accordance with the doctrine of minimum force which can ultimately be more effectively applied from the barrier planned well south of the frontier. If, however, we are confronted with a genuine refugee problem it is proposed that those concerned will be guided into specially prepared and secured reception areas and then returned to Chins through Lo Wu. We recognise, however, that circumstances could arise where return to China might be impossible owing to pressure of local or world opinion or because of obstruction at Lo Wu. If this happens they would be screened and detained pending their transfer to Urban areas. Those who, as a result of screening, were found to be undesirable would be detained pending disposal, if possible back to China. In 1962 about 60,000 people were absorbed into the urban areas without establishment of refugee camps and we would hope again to avoid concentration of refugees. A plan to accommodate this type of influx has been in preparation for several months.
It is now being reviewed and agreed. I shall forward details of this plan as soon as possible. (My telegram 1296 refers).
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