§ 44. Mr. Thomas Reidasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how far it has been possible to prevent the recruitment of Communist terrorists in Malaya from within or from without that country.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsIn addition to the regular armed gangs, there has been, since the outbreak of the emergency, a reserve of part-time bandits and supporters, who have been recruited for active service to replace casualties. There has also probably been some recruitment by press gang methods. This is extremely difficult to prevent, but the police are continually on the watch for it. There is no evidence that there has been any infiltration of men or material from outside Malaya to help the bandits on anything but a negligible scale.
§ Sir Ralph GlynWill the right hon. Gentleman consider publishing a White Paper on the proceedings in Malaya during the last six months?
§ Mr. GriffithsI should like notice of that question.
§ Mr. PickthornCan the right hon. Gentleman say what he means by "regular armed bands," and also what he means by saying that there have probably been some "press gang methods"? Has he any evidence on this point?
§ Mr. GriffithsIt appears from the information we have, that there are a certain number of bandits who are engaged continuously in these activities. There are others who are engaged part-time. There is a regular force, and at times other people join up at week-ends.
§ Mr. Walter FletcherWould the right hon. Gentleman not agree that there is a great danger to recruiting arising from his inability to send out of Malaya the large number of Communists who have already been captured and who might escape? Will he not take steps to see that they are sent out of the country?
§ Mr. GriffithsI must have notice of that question.