HC Deb 28 March 1950 vol 473 cc179-81
45. Mr. Gammans

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the anti-bandit campaign in Malaya is being hampered by the lack of a clear pledge by His Majesty's Government that the British do not intend to withdraw from Malaya; and if he will make a further statement of this subject which will put the issue beyond doubt.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

I do not see that there can be any room for doubt. I gave a clear statement of His Majesty's Government's policy to the House on 13th April last, and it is our firm intention to implement the policy which I then affirmed of steady democratic progress towards self-government within the Commonwealth. We shall not be diverted from that policy and have no intention of relinquishing our responsibility for the defence of Malaya and the protection of its law-abiding peoples by all means at our disposal.

Mr. Gammans

Is the Prime Minister aware that all he said last April was that there would be no premature withdrawal and that that wishy-washy statement has created uncertainty among our friends and given great assistance to our enemies? Cannot he say something a bit more red-blooded than that?

The Prime Minister

It is a pity that the hon. Member did not study what I said last April. It was, I understood, accepted by the whole of the House with satisfaction, except by the former Member for West Fife, Mr. Gallacher. I said: His Majesty's Government have no intention of relinquishing their responsibilities in Malaya until their task is completed. The purpose of our policy is simple. We are working, in co-operation with the citizens of the Federation of Malaya and Singapore, to guide them to responsible self-government within the Commonwealth. We have no intention of jeopardising the security, well-being and liberty of these people, for whom Britain has responsibilities, by a premature withdrawal."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 13th April, 1949; Vol. 463, c. 2815.] I have heard of no one but the hon. Member who has raised any doubts in the matter.

Sir Ralph Glyn

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied that that statement was made sufficiently known by local broadcasting at the time?

The Prime Minister

I should think so. I will make inquiries. I have no reason to think that it was not.

Mr. Harrison

Will my right hon. Friend agree that the inference in the Question has one of the most important hampering effects on the anti-bandit campaign in Malaya at the present time?

Mr. Gammans

Is the Prime Minister aware that, whatever interpretation he may put on the statement, every section of the Malayan Press considers that that statement has not made our intentions sufficiently clear?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir.

Mr. Oliver Stanley

It is now, is it not, perfectly clear that under no circumstances have the Government any intention of withdrawing from Malaya, and that that can go out to the Malayan people as an absolutely confirmed statement?

The Prime Minister

It is clear, and always has been so.

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