TNAG-0539-FCO40-634-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 69

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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.

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 violent incidents, particularly in the

These

large cities.

There were 16 rocket attacks by the Provisional

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 was lower than in 1973 when the figure was

over 81 per month.

average of 267

-

Similarly, shooting incidents-at a monthly

were fewer than in 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.

42. The weakening of the terrorist forces in Belfast and

forced

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 Forces.

were

II

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used mainly against the

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