TNAG-0483-FCO40-548-Reports-by-Special-Branch-of-Royal-Hong-Kong-Police-1974 — Page 32

CONFIDENTIAL #

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54.

keeping an eye on local residents

of dubious background, political or

otherwise.

Militia are frequently

called to take the lead in political

campaigns to 'root out' bad elements

for criticism by the masses.

(d) the prevention of illegal emigration.

Backbone Militia are used to assist

the P.L.A. and Police by manning

check points, by being present on

board local boats engaged in fishing

or oyster farming and by carrying cut

patrols or sentry duties at night in

their own areas.

Illegal emigrants

caught by the Militia are immediately

handed over to the P.L.A. who, in turn,

see them into P.S. (People's Police) custody.

(e) boosting production by setting an

example of hard work.

In wartime, the Militia provide a reserve of

trained manpower for the P.L.A., and perform a variety of

military duties in this role. Local Militia in FU SHING,

as elsewhere, are operationally controlled and trained by

the P.L.A. through the People's Armed Forces Departments

at County and Commune levels.

G. F. 323

CONFIDENTIAL #