Gurkhas moving up sandbags, soldier of the People's Republic of China en guard in Shataukok, Gurkhas patrolling on mules, British soldiers in scout cars.




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Background: British and Nepalese Gurkha units have increased their patrols along Hong Kong's border with the People's Republic of China following recent bombings at the border. During the last weekend (2/3 September) 3 Gurkha soldiers were injured when a shrapnel bomb exploded at a sentry post in the town of Shataukok where the border runs through the middle of the town.

The bombing ended almost two weeks of calm along the border between Hong Kong and the People's Republic of China. After it happened, the Gurkhas increased their mule-back patrols into the rugged mountains that form part of the 27 mile border.

At other places, where Chinese peasants peacefully till the soil, British troops have erected double strands of barbed wire to prevent these same peasants from storming across the frontier as they did about one month age. On that occasion British troops drove them back with tear-gas and phosphorus grenades. At this section, frontier guards of the Democratic People's Republic keep well out of sight.

Near the border an observer can easily see Chinese characters on a hillside which read: "Down with imperialists and all their running dogs."
For the moment at least, the British are said to be more concerned about a new refugee influx from China than from an outright invasion of Hong Kong by Chinese troops.

Mindful that the smallest incident on the border could erupt into a full-scale land war between British and Chinese troops, British forces have been ordered to use minimum force in handling any violation of Hong Kong's border.

However with increased turmoil in the People's Republic of China continuing, British sentries and their Gurkha colleagues continue their stepped up surveillance of the border.