TNAG-0537-FCO40-632-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 74

CONFIDENTIAL

2ND DRAFT

in which the arrangements for a Constitutional Convention may go

ahead smoothly, with the object of creating new institutions, based

on power-sharing, to replace the former Executive.

32. The Armed Forces have pursued a steady campaign against

terrorism from whatever source. They have conducted it with the

utmost care to avoid unnecessary inconvenience to law-abiding

citizens. By their rigorous work throughout the year to frustrate

lawlessness, the Security Forces have greatly undermined the strength

of, and support in the community for, the terrorist organisations.

The level of violence has been significantly reduced and there has

been a period of steady progress in restoring law and order.

33. In the past year Ľ

people were arrested

C

J

people were

and charged with offences of a terrorist nature, of which /

relate to murder or attempted murder.

given Detention Orders under the Northern Ireland (Emergency Pro-

visions) Act. C

7 rounds of ammunition

tons of explosive were recovered. These successes

and

7 firearms, Ľ

There

are reflected in the gradual but significant reduction in nature and

number of violent incidents, particularly in the large cities.

[] rocket attacks by the Provisional IRA in which

rockets were fired;

were

were fired on [

or small arms fire.

and

mortar bomb 3

7 occasions often in conjunction with rocket

The level of bombing at a monthly average of

7 for 1974 represents a reduction/increase since 1973 when

7 per month. Similarly, shooting incidents

show an increase/decrease over

the figure was

at a monthly average of Ľ

1973 when there were on average

STA

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CONFIDENTIAL

shootings monthly.