TNAG-0539-FCO40-634-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 161

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lawlessness, the Security Forces greatly undermined the

strength of, and support in the community for, the terrorist

The level of violence was significantly reduced

organisations.

and 1974 marked a period of steady progress in restoring

law and order.

These

41. During the year 1,367 people were arrested and charged with

offences of a terrorist nature, of which 155 related to murder or attempted

murder. 188 people were given Detention Orders under the Northern Ireland

(Fmergency Provisions) Act. 1,260 firearms, 150.000 rounds of

ammunition and nearly 24 tons of explosive were recovered.

successes were reflected in the gradual but significant reduction in

the nature and number of viclent incidents, particularly in the

large cities.

IRA in which 24 rockets were fired; and a total of 116 mortar

bombs were fired on 16 occasions, often in conjunction with rocket

or small arms fire. The level of bombing at a monthly average of

57 for 1974 represents a reduction since 1973 when the figure was

over 81 per month. Similarly, shooting incidents at a monthly

average of 267 show a decrease over 1973 when there were on average

418 shootings a month. Since January 1974 [74] awards for

gallantry have been made to British forces personnel in Northern

Ireland.

There were 16 rocket attacks by the Provisional

forced

42. The weakening of the terrorist forces in Belfast and

Londonderry and the arrests of many of their leaders

terrorist activities to be diverted to the rural and border areas,

where bombs and booby-traps

Security Porces.

were

used mainly against the

II

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