59. Sir F. HALLasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that two Javanese Communists, named Alimin and Moeso, who have been for some time past engaged in revolutionary movements in Dutch East India under the directions of the Moscow Communist Internationale, were recently arrested at Singapore and subsequently released; and whether these persons were prosecuted?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSBefore this question is answered, may I ask whether a question affecting some other Government which states an apparent fact is quite in order?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSI refer particularly to the phrase where it states that for some time past these persons have been engaged in revolutionary movements under the directions of the Moscow Communist Internationale.
Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKERIn all these questions, the Member asking the question makes himself responsible.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREYes, Sir, I am aware of the arrest and release of these men. They were arrested under the local Banishment Ordinance, but after full inquiry the Governor was advised that in the existing state of the law further proceedings against them were impossible, and they were accordingly released. As I informed the hon. Member for Blackpool (Sir W. de Frece) on 5th December, steps are now being taken to bring the local law into line with that of this country.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSAre we to understand that these two persons did not break the law in the territory referred to?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREAs I understand it, they did not break the existing law in the Straits Settlements, and therefore, they were released.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs it a fact that they were acting under the direction of the Moscow Communist Internationale?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI believe it is called the Third Internationale. I understand that that is the body to which they proclaimed themselves as being allied.
§ Mr. THURTLEAre we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that at the present time there is greater liberty in the Straits Settlements than there is in this country?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThere are defects in the local law there in dealing with revolutionaries which do not obtain in the local law in this country.
Sir F. HALLIs it not time that steps were taken to bring them into line with the common practice of the law in this country?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREAs I said last week, approval has been given to the introduction into the Straits Settlements Legislature of the necessary legislation.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that, so far as the Third Internationale is concerned, it has nothing at all to do with the Soviet Government?