HC Deb 04 May 1955 vol 540 cc1669-71
14. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Communist terrorists in Malaya have been captured, killed or have surrendered during the past six months; how many of these have been Chinese, Indian and Malay, respectively; to what extent the aboriginal peoples are now co-operating with the Government; and whether serious incidents have increased or decreased during this period, compared with the previous comparable period.

Mr. Hopkinson

In the six months to the end of March, 255 Communist terrorists were killed, 22 were captured and 127 surrendered. These included 361 Chinese, four Indians and 26 Malays, the remainder being mainly aborigines. Of the 50–60,000 aborigines in Malaya fewer than 3,500 are now collaborating with the terrorists, and the rest are supporting the Government. The number of major incidents during this period was 127, compared with 154 in the six months ended in March, 1954.

Mr. Sorensen

What action has been taken regarding aboriginals, not merely to win their support, but to confirm it? Does the Minister appreciate that some of them had grievances even against their own troops? Is anything being done permanently to win their confidence? Is the amnesty still operating in Malaya for those who care to accept it?

Mr. Hopkinson

The position about aborigines is that at one time about half of them were collaborating with the Communists. I think that this very big reduction is very much to be welcomed. It has been due to very energetic methods which have been launched to bring them, so to speak, under the wing of the Government and which have been very largely successful. The present position about the amnesty remains as it has been for the past year or 18 months.

Mr. Awbery

Is the Minister aware that there is a danger and even a possibility that the emergency will last for years, unless something is done to bring it to an end other than by fighting? Would he use the good offices of the Chairman of the U.M.N.O. and the Chinese Association to approach these people with a view to coming to a settlement. Is he aware that the Sakais are assisting unwillingly, are being forced or are being bribed to do it?

Mr. Hopkinson

My right hon. Friend made a long statement on that subject recently and I refer the hon. Gentleman to it.