CO_968_451_DEFENCE_OF_HONG_KONG_1955_1956 — Page 57

SECRET

GUARD

5.

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26.

CONCLUSION

The Communists have it in their power at any time to create disturbances in the Colony. The degree to which they might do so would, of course, depend on the circumstances of the time and the object of the operation (e.g. limited pressure for a specific purpose or an all out campaign, verging on civil war, for the complete dislocation and ultimate fall of the Colony). The degree of success that they might achieve and the extent to which they might win over or cow the population would be greatly influenced by the attitude and actions of the Hong Kong Government, the Armed Forces and HMG. In the worst case it would, however, be possible for the Communists, should they decide on an all out effort, to disrupt the administration and interfere with the economic life of the Colony to a point where outside assistance would be required.

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SECRET & GUARD.