§ 51. Mr. Fernyhoughasked the Secretary of State for War why British soldiers stationed in Singapore have been forbidden when off duty or when talking to Asian civilians to discuss Malayan independence.
§ Mr. F. MacleanNo such orders have been issued to British soldiers in Singapore. They have, however, been reminded of the limitations imposed by Queen's Regulations on political activities..
§ Mr. FernyhoughI have here a cutting from a reliable newspaper—[Horn. MEMBERS "Which is it?"]— the Westminster Press— which indicates that the General Officer Commanding Singapore District —
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member has not yet asked a question.
§ Mr. FernyhoughI was about to do so.
§ Mr. SpeakerIt would be more in order if the hon. Member asked his question first. We should then know that he was asking a question and not making a speech.
§ Mr. FernyhoughIt is hon. Members opposite—
§ Mr. NabarroWrite to the Daily Workeror perhaps Tribune.
§ Mr. FernyhoughIf the brain of the hon. Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro) were as big as his mouth, he would be a very clever fellow. Is the Under-Secretary aware that this order was issued by the General Officer Commanding Singapore District? Would he not agree that when officers give lectures in which they give these instructions, that is treating grown-up soldiers as though they were simple children, and that instructions of this kind harm recruiting more than anything else does?
§ Mr. MacleanI have already indicated that orders on the lines indicated by the hon. Member were not issued by General Tulloch, or anybody else.
§ Mr. AwberyIs it not desirable that both soldiers and civilians in Singapore and Malaya should know as much as possible about independence, and that 1826 therefore discussion between civilians and our soldiers should be encouraged?
§ Mr. MacleanNothing is being done to prevent discussion on those lines.