§ 38. Mr. Fernyhoughasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the reasons for the recent order to the population of Kampong Belum by the British military authorities to bum their crops.
§ Mr. LytteltonThe order was given as a preliminary to the evacuation of the inhabitants of Kampong Belum, which is now in progress. This very isolated area has been dominated by terrorists who forced the Malay villagers to grow food for their use and as adequate protection would have involved a disproportionate burden on the Security Forces it was decided to evacuate the inhabitants.
§ Mr. FernyhoughDoes the Minister realise that his policy is more likely to make than break Communists, and will he not consider telling the military authorities to prevent this kind of situation arising in the future?
§ Mr. LytteltonCertainly not. This is part of the policy instituted more than a year ago for the re-settlement of outlying squatters in re-settlement areas where they can be properly protected.