§ 65. Mr. Walter Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to augment our Police Forces in Malaya.
209W
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe following are some of the principal measures. In the Federation of Malaya a force of Special Constabulary is being rapidly organised and enrolment is going ahead, The Government of the Federation has decided to increase the Police Force by the recruitment and training of local personnel. Some civil officers are being diverted from ordinary duties to assist in the administrative work of the Police Force, and for organising and directing the Special Constabulary. The formation of a Frontier Force or Gendarmerie for the Northern Frontier is being considered. Steps are being taken to recruit 20 additional police officers, and the further expansion of the police is being studied. Considerable progress has been made in getting additional equipment for the Police Forces from local service resources and from other departments of the Government.
In Singapore recruiting of 300 extra men for the regular Police Force is going forward and a Volunteer Constabulary is being successfully enrolled. Twenty-five officers are being recruited from former members of the Palestine Police. Both Governments are seeking the advice of Mr. W. N. Gray, lately Inspector-General of Police, Palestine, as to whether recruitment of former members of the Palestine Police Force would be advantageous.