§ 5. Sir J. Barlowasked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will make a statement on the military and other assistance given by the United Kingdom in bringing to an end the emergency in the Federation of Malaya.
§ Mr. AlportYes, Sir. The emergency in the Federation of Malaya will end officially on 31st July. I am sure that the House will wish to offer its warm congratulations to the Government and people of this fellow member of the Commonwealth whose courage and patriotism has enabled them to eliminate, after more than a decade of bitter struggle, so grievous a threat to their freedom and future. The United Kingdom is proud to have shared with the people of Malaya, as well as those of other Commonwealth countries, in the task of making this achievement possible. The price that we have had to pay has not been a light one. Three hundred and sixty-two men have been killed and nearly as many wounded in the course of the struggle and the financial contribution of the United Kingdom has amounted to some £84 million. I hope that hon. Members will feel that it is appropriate on this occasion not only to rejoice with the people of Malaya on their success, but also to remember with gratitude those of our own people who have sacrificed their lives in helping to make this achievement possible.
§ Sir J. BarlowWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for the statement that he has made, may I ask him whether he would agree that the rubber planters and tin miners, together with their wives, made a very notable contribution during the whole of the emergency?
§ Mr. AlportI am sure that the Government and people of Malaya and the people of this country watched with pride the staunch way in which the 1840 United Kingdom civil community in Malaya during that trying period carried on with its work, enabling Malaya to enjoy economic resources permitting her to carry on the struggle which has now, or will in a very few days' time, come to a successful conclusion.