TNAG-0186-FCO40-222-Special-branch-reports-on-Communist-activities-1969 — Page 93

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T.S. 4/60 II

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3rd

January, 1969.

6/21/1

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EXTERNAL THREAT TO

SECURITY IN THE BORDER AREA,

INTRODUCTION.

The external threat to security in the border area was last assessed comprehensively in March 1968 in L. I. C. Paper T. S. 4/60 II dated the 25th March, 1968 and a further interim assessment was produced in May 1968 (L. I. C. Paper T. S. 4/60 II of the 6th May, 1968). It was considered that the C. P.G. had no intention of mounting a full scale military attack on the Colony while their current policies prevailed. A major influx of illegal immigrants was not expected to develop, unless conditions in Kwangtung deteriorated seriously and it was unlikely that defeated factional elements would attempt to take refuge in the Colony by crossing the land frontier in significant numbers. A resurgence of premeditated militant border activity was also unlikely while the Communist policy of non-violence continued but there was always the danger that a spontaneous local incident could develop into a major conflict. The Sha Tau Kok "escapees" constituted a localized threat which was likely to decrease as their influence over the area waned. There was also the possibility that action by Security Forces in the Urban Districts could produce a response by compatriots in the Border Area. While there was evidence to show that commune and militia leaders wished to reduce tension the area was extremely sensitive and there appeared to be a need for the continuation of security measures in excess of those obtaining prior to confrontation.

2.

The purpose of this paper is to reassess the general external threat to security in the Border Area in the light of events since the last assessment and in view of current Communist policy.

COMMUNIST ACTIVITY ON THE BORDER SINCE MARCH 1968

3.

On

Since March 1968 there has been only one serious incident. 29th May peasants from the Shum Chun area in Chinese Territory (C. T.), who were farming land in British Territory (B. T.) owned by the Fu Shing Commune, claimed that they were affected by tear smoke being tested by Security Forces at San Uk Ling Range. They demanded compensation and apologies from the Police and,while negotiations were in progress,demonstrated outside the Lo Wu Police Post. The group of farmers, subsequently supported by more militant members of the commune,surrounded the Police Post and threatened violence. This necessitated the use of tear smoke, in the early hours of the 30th May, t. 'disperse the demonstrators. For several days a series of orderly deputations, apparently under strict control, visited the Police Post and repeated demands for compensation and apologies, Commune representatives eventually accepted a written explanation rhat the original affects of the tear gas had been accidental and tension in the area gradually lessened. By the 7th June conditions had returned to normal.

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