CONFIDENTIAL
機密
1
XCC(75)3
- 2 -
(a) an explosives depot;
(b) a Drug Addiction Treatment Centre;
(c) a small Services' leave centre in the North
Eastern Corner.
The proposed allocations are shown on the plan annexed.
Explosives Depot
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During the last 20 years, there has been a substantial increase in the use of high explosive. The Green Island depot has to hold an average of 180-200 tons, though the safe level is thought to be about 25 tons. The annual consumption of high explosive continues to rise each year by some 60 tons and the deteriorating shipping situation has made it necessary to store more than would otherwise be necessary.
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The topography of the island is such that the construction of a number of small magazines located at safe distances from each other is not feasible. The magazines are therefore large and grouped so close that an explosion in one magazine would lead to the detonation of all of them. The depot is less than 700 yards from the Kennedy Town water front; if a major explosion occurred, the results might be catastrophic. It may be assumed that all old buildings in Kennedy Town, i.e. buildings with load bearing walls, would collapse and that structural damage would also be caused to modern buildings in this area. Glass windows would be shattered in buildings in Western district within a radius of several miles. Apart from the damage to ships and property, many would probably be killed or injured.
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It is therefore essential that the construction of a new explosives depot be started immediately. As the Secretary for the New Territories said in the Legislative Council on 29th November 1973: "I must point out that any undue delay in moving the depot from Green Island is unacceptable both from the point of view of public safety and also because additional explosives is urgently required, for if it is not provided public works, and the underground railway may be delayed.".
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It is hard to find a suitable site for an explosives depot. The magazines must be at a safe distance from human habitation. The depot must provide a sufficient area, with natural protection, to allow for the dispersion of magazines, so that an accident in one will not
C.S. 166
CONFIDENTIAL
機密
Page 135Page 136
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