TNAG-0040-FCO40-76-Border-incidents-with-China-1968 — Page 61

SCR 54/3371/67

SECRET

ENCLOSURE TO COS 1375/23/5/68

Defence Secretariat

IMPLEMENTATION OF BORDER POLICY

INTRODUCTION.

Our aim in the border area is to secure peace and stability, whilst preserving the essential authority of the Hong Kong Government.

2.

The policy to fulfil this aim is laid down in Annex A to 242) (49) in SCR 54/3371/67 dated 8th December, 1967.

AIM

3. The aim of this paper is to set out the main principles which are to govern the implementation of this policy.

RESPONSIBILITIES.

4. The Police are responsible for :-

(a)

(b)

5.

the maintenance of law and order and the performance of normal constabulary duties within the border area up to the border fence;

and

assisting the Army in carrying out its responsibilities as defined in 5(a) and (b) below.

The Army is responsible for :-

(a)

surveillance along and across the border;

(b)

opposing any form of violation of the border; and

(c)

6.

assisting the police in carrying out their responsibilities as defined in 4(a) above.

The balance of police and military forces committed will vary according to the threat and the current situation, and is to be decided as a result of joint consultation using the established POLMIL machinery.

OBSTACLES.

7. There is to be a fence along the border, or as near to it as possible, the purpose of which is to mark the border and to enable a degree of control of movement to be exercised.

8.

In order to implement the Government policy on the control of mass illegal immigration, laid down in (70) in SCR 9/2091/67 dated 16th November, 1967:-

(a) the SNAKE fence is to be maintained;

(b)

and

there is to be a capability of providing additional obstacles, at short notice.

SECRET