§ 28. Sir Patrick Hannonasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement on the present position of the Christian communities in the Malay Peninsula and at Singapore; and whether the evacuation of bishops and priests, representatives of the various Christian missions, had been effected before the Japanese invasion of the island?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanI regret that I have at present no information as to the position of the Christian communities in Malaya. The Governor of the Straits Settlements reported in the course of the campaign in the Peninsula the names of some clergymen and Salvation Army officers who voluntarily remained at Penang and Malacca after the withdrawal of our Forces from those places. Every effort is being made through diplomatic channels and other means to obtain information regarding persons who remained in Malaya and those evacuated.
§ Sir P. HannonWill my right hon. Friend take every means in his power to get further information and to give whatever relief is possible to these people?
§ Mr. MacmillanYes, Sir.