§ 13. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many men called up for military service in Malaya are, owing to residence or other disqualification, regarded as aliens; and if he will 498 encourage these persons by giving them an assurance of full Federation citizenship after completing such service.
Mr. DugdaleI regret that the information requested in the first part of the Question is not available. The call up is for police and the civilian service, not military service. The assurance suggested cannot be given at the present time.
§ Mr. AwberyIs my right hon. Friend aware that some of these men have preferred to go to China rather than fight for a government which refuses to grant them full citizenship? Will he take steps to see that they are promised this recognition?
Mr. DugdaleAll I am saying is that we cannot give special consideration to them over and above other people who may have joined the Home Guard and the Civil Defence Services.