HC Deb 05 July 1950 vol 477 c464
31. Mr. Donner

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Dyaks and other tribesmen from North Borneo are now serving in Malaya.

Mr. J. Griffiths

One hundred and sixteen Dyaks, all from Sarawak, are now serving with the security Forces in Malaya.

Mr. Donner

Would the right hon. Gentleman consult with the Secretary of State for War in order to increase the numbers of these very experienced fighters and thus secure a reduction in the numbers of our own National Service men who have not been trained for jungle fighting?

Mr. Griffiths

I would not propose to discuss it with my right hon. Friend on that basis, but the whole of this problem was discussed between my right hon. Friend and myself with the authorities on the spot when we were in Malaya.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Would not my right hon. Friend consider giving the Dyaks of Borneo a pecuniary interest in Malaya by giving them some shares in the rubber companies?

Mr. Shackleton

Would my right hon. Friend ensure that the high standard of tradition in protecting the native peoples of Sarawak is maintained? This sort of thing could never have happened under the previous ruler in Sarawak.

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