§ 44. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many arrests were recently made at the University and Musical and Dramatic Association in Singapore; how many persons were charged; how many released; and if he will give an assurance that there will be no interference in the normal academic freedom of the university.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsFourteen men and women who were employed at or were students of the University of Malaya, and three members of the Mayfair Musical and Dramatic Association, were recently detained in Singapore. Of these, two have since been released unconditionally, and five have been released subject to certain restrictions of movement. It is not yet possible to say how 1732 many of those still detained will be charged in the courts. These arrests were made solely on the grounds of suspected complicity with the Malayan Communist Party, an illegal organisation whose methods are as we know those of violence and murder. I assure the House that the Government of Singapore have no intention of interfering in any way with the normal freedom of speech and thought and of constitutional political activity which is an essential and most valued part of university life.
§ Mr. AwberyWill my right hon. Friend take as much care as possible to see that Socialists and men with progressive ideas are not dubbed as Communists and put in prison? Is he aware that these arrests are creating trouble among the students, to their disadvantage, which is something we should all discourage?
§ Mr. GriffithsI can assure my hon. Friend that I am satisfied that the men who have been arrested have taken part in Communist activities, and I would call attention to the assurance which I have already given that the Government do not intend to interfere in any way with the normal activities of the university.