TNAG-0040-FCO40-76-Border-incidents-with-China-1968 — Page 4

population, to some extent identifying themselves with

the Chinese Territory villagers.

8.

In May, just prior to confrontation, 615

Border Defence Regiment moved into the area and took

over from Border Defence Regiment (30) absorbing a small

proportion of the former troops. This unit, armed with

heavy infantry weapons, appeared to contain a better

class of soldier. The troops, totalling 1,700, adopted

a more formal approach to the local population, although

they continued the C.C.A. role of educating the peasants

by conducting study groups and generally propagating

MAO's thoughts. This changeover, according to intelligence,

was the result of a desire by the Chinese authorities

to tighten border security, and was not directly connected

with confrontation. Since the communists came to power

in 1949, the attitude of the C.C.A. in the border area

towards British Security Forces has always been one of

aloofness. This did not change when the new regiment

took over.

THE SITUATION DURING CONFRONTATION

9.

The Chinese communist confrontation with the

Hong Kong Government, which began in the urban areas

in May, 1967, did not, initially, affect the border area

and it was not until June that the first sign of it

spreading to the New Territories and the border came

with the formation of an "Anti-Persecution Struggle

Committee" (A.P.S.C.), in Sha Tau Kok. A propaganda war

was commenced on the Chinese side of the border.

Demonstrations, in Chinese Territory sometimes on a large

scale, took place, whilst at Lo Wu, Man Kam To and Sha

SECRET