§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether their attention has been called to the statement in the Chinese newspapers that an offer of Chinese troops for the defence of Malaya was made by General Chiang Kai-Shek but not accepted; whether any statement can be made on this report; and what steps have been or are being taken to recruit Chinese, Indian and Malayan residents who are British subjects in Malaya for military duties other than civil defence.]
§ LORD MOYNEYes, my Lords, my attention has been called to this statement. Discussion did in fact take place with the Chinese Government before the outbreak of war in the Far East, but it would not be in the public interest to disclose details. With regard to the last part of the question, the Malay Regiment and the Johore Military Forces have for some years afforded to Malays an opportunity for enlistment in regular infantry units. In addition, Chinese, Indians and Malays are serving in units of the Malayan local forces.
§ House adjourned.