§ 21. Captain Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether in the light of information now available, he is in a position to make any further statement regarding the attitude of the Malay, Chinese and Indian inhabitants of Malaya towards the Japanese at the time of the invasion?
§ Colonel StanleyThe personal impressions of many who had first-hand knowledge of the campaign confirms the belief that the great bulk of the Asiatic population of Malaya was completely loyal to the British connection. Many of the earlier allegations of treacherous behaviour may be attributed to the difficulty of the inexperienced in distinguishing the lightly equipped Japanese soldiery from the local Asiatic population. I hope shortly to be in a position to deal more fully with this matter.
§ Mr. GallacherIs it not the case that many of these Malayans who were demonstrating against the Japanese had their demonstration broken up by the police just a day or two before the invasion?
§ Colonel StanleyNo, Sir.