ENG-1956 — Page 237

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HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT

The number of reports made to the police dropped from 422,811 to 410,427, and of this number 184,235 disclosed no criminal offence. The balance was made up of 22,587 serious offences (as against 23,265 during 1955) of which 55% (12,320) resulted in arrest and prosecution; and 203,605 other offences which resulted in the conviction of 164,898 persons. The statistics of serious criminal offences are shown in Appendix XVII.

Ceremonies were held at Police Headquarters at which 71 letters of appreciation and monetary awards were made to members of the public for outstanding services to the com- munity. During the year members of the public were respon- sible for the arrest of 925 persons found committing serious crimes.

Public Disorder. On 10th October, 1956, the day of the principal Nationalist Chinese Festival known as the 'Double Tenth', a disturbance occurred in the Li Cheng Uk Resettle- ment Estate following a dispute over the removal of some Nationalist flags and emblems which had been pasted on the walls of the buildings contrary to previously notified instructions. On that day police were already at a state of alertness as part of the usual precautions taken on the occa- sion of such celebrations, and by immediate intervention were able to restore order, although feelings continued high among the inhabitants of the area. Later in the day, however, crowds continued to assemble in the area and criminal elements were quick to exploit the situation with the result that widespread public disorder broke out in the Shamshuipo District.

Throughout the first night the disorder was confined to a limited area of the town, and the police endeavoured with the minimum of force to contain it and prevent it from spreading. The situation was brought under control during the early morning hours of the 11th October. Shortly after 10 a.m. trouble again broke out, indicating a much more serious threat to law and order. At 12.30 p.m. it was decided to call