TNAG-0537-FCO40-632-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 10

CONFIDENTIAL

the 1967 riots which were only contained "by a whisker".

This is due to an increase in population and the

building of high rise flats which could easily be

converted into strong points for militant rioters.

b. Border Violations. There is a real and constant

danger of infringement along the 17 mile border with

China, and in consequence erosion of Hong Kong's authority.

Some 200-300 farmers cross the border each day to work in

communal farms in the New Territories and they are

habitually hostile to British authority and ready to

exploit any real or imagined grievance. During 1975 there

were 12 infringements of British territory by Chinese

soldiers in pursuit of illegal immigrants, 3 of which involved

shooting incidents.

C.

Illegal immigration from China. Legal immigrants

enter Hong Kong at a current rate of 2,500-3,000 each month.

In addition an average of 450 are detected entering illegally,

and this situation needs careful control.

d.

frites

A deliberate attack by the Chinese Army. In the

present climate of mu tual self interest the likelihood

of this is remote.

Against the background of these threats there are clearly

·

three important and valid roles for British forces in Hong Kong.

to demonstrate that Britain intends to maintain the status quo;

to

internal security operations in support of the civil power and

to prevent incursion along the border. The fourth role -

resist attack is fortunately unlikely to be tested in the

near future.

CONFIDENTIAL