DECE T
"CH KONG
DUGGIR SITUATION
ANNEX B.
The mor.le of the civilian population
alon the frontier has been affected by the
Sha Tau Kok incident on 8 July and other minor frontier demonstrations on the Chinese side of the border. Chinese military activity (which seems however to
be designed to ensure firmer control by the Chinese Army of their side of the border) has continued to cause local apprehension.
2.
The Acting Governor has agreed, in consultation with the Commander of the British
orces, that the primary responsibility for the security of the frontier should be assumed by the military as an interin measure. They are more suitably equipped to deal with armed incursions of the kind experienced at Sha Tau Kok and it is
believed that their presence there will be a deterrent against any further similar incursions. Their role on the border is to maintain observation wa to take immediate action against any incursion. The doctrine of minimum force will still apply and the forward troops are equipped with tear gas which would normally be the first weapon used by the Police.
3. The Police will continue to carry out all their other normal functions in the border area and will renssume their full responsibilities aa soon as tension is sufficiently reduced. However, the Acting Governor is of the definits opinion that at the present stage the use of the 'rmy in the manner described above is both realistic and prudent without bein unnecessarily provocative.
SECRET
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.