§ 4. Major Tufton Beamishasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking to ensure that consuls and other diplomatic representatives of the Chinese Communist Government have no contacts with the Communist-controlled rebels in Malaya; and whether he is aware of the widespread misgiving amongst the Chinese community that the presence of Chinese Communist diplomats may lead to a further deterioration of law and order.
§ Mr. J. DugdaleTo prevent misapprehensions amongst the Chinese community and to make it clear that interference in the internal affairs of the territories will not be permitted, a full statement on the functions of consular representatives was issued recently by the Malayan Governments, and a copy of this is being sent to the hon. and gallant Member.
§ Major BeamishDoes the Minister agree that whatever the pros and cons of the recognition of the Mao Tse-tung regime in China, the presence of its representatives in Malaya at this moment is most unfortunate? May I ask if they have arrived yet, and, if so, will the Minister reconsider the matter?
§ Mr. DugdaleThe Central People's Government of China have not yet sought to appoint consuls in British and British-protected territories.