HC Deb 14 May 1952 vol 500 cc1429-30
49. Mr. Beswick

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies who is now responsible for putting over to the native population in Malaya the British aims and ultimate political objectives, of countering hostile propaganda and generally conducting political warfare in that theatre.

Mr. Lyttelton

This is in the main the responsibility of a special Emergency Information Service working under the Director of Operations.

Mr. Beswick

Would not the Minister agree that the question of propaganda and the publicity of these peace aims is a highly specialised operation? Would it not be advisable to have someone skilled in the necessary techniques in control of these operations?

Mr. Lyttelton

I am generally in sympathy with what the hon. Gentleman is saying. All these services are in the course of re-organisation, but I am sorry to say that that has not yet been completed. It is not very easy to find the right people, but the whole of this matter is now under urgent re-organisation.

Mr. James Griffiths

In view of the very great work done by Mr. Hugh Carlton Greene, who was seconded by the B.B.C. for this kind of work, will not the right hon. Gentleman make further approaches on the same level in order to continue the very good work which has been done?

Mr. Lyttelton

I think I can give a general assent to this proposition.