TNAG-0183-FCO40-219-Briefs-for-Ministry-of-Defence-Ministerial-visits-1969 — Page 71

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IS EQUIPMENT

5.

Self Protection Aid Device (SPAD)

During 1968 a number of liquid dispensers for self-protection use in Hong Kong were borrowed from the Hong Kong Police. These American equipments are called Chemical MACE. Although they were never used we discovered that there were certain unacceptable risks, particularly in relation to possible eye damage, associated with these devices.

D.

A crash development programme for a replacement equipment was started at CDEE Porton, and SPAD was developed. This is filled with DBO which has been shown to be many times safer (as well as more effective) than the filling (CN) in MACE.

C. 300 SPAD have been produced and flown to Hong Kong. At least a further 500 of the interim version are to be produced during 1969 to give us a reserve during the period of development and production of the final version of SPAD will be available before 1971.

The following restrictions have been placed on the use of SPAD in Hong Kong:

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(1) It is only to be used for individual self defence against dangerous attack when the alternative would be the use of fire-arms.

(2) The level of delegation of authority to use SPAD is to be only as far as the Brigade Commander concerned.

6. The British Forces and Hong Kong police have shown interest in several new devices under development, particularly an improved 11" CS cartridge, a 11" Baton round and a "Rubberised Bursting Grenade".

7.

Improved 11" CS Cartridge. The improvement over previous CS cartridges are a greater range (130 yards) and increased CS content. This cartridge is now in production and should be available in Hong Kong in about six months time.

2. 11⁄2" Baton Round. This is a wooden billet, fired from the 12" signal pistol at knee height. Development is complete and production is about to begin. It is estimated that it will be available in Hong Kong in about a year's time.

9.

Rubberised Bursting Grenade. A few of these improved CS grenades have been sent to Hong Kong within the last month for trials. By encasing the grenade in rubber the likelihood of injury to civilians is considerably reduced.

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