§ 102. Mr. Longdenasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that little progress is being made by the forces under his control in bringing about order in Malaya, because the population is more favourable to the rebels than to the Government; and if he will consult with the Secretary of State for the Colonies with a view to the establishment of a higher degree of self-government for Malaya.
§ Mr. M. StewartI cannot accept the statement that little progress is being made by the security forces in Malaya. They have in fact had significant successes. British, Gurkha and Malay units operating in most difficult circumstances and living in very trying conditions have in the past six months carried out in the most praiseworthy manner a large number of difficult and arduous operations 45W in aid of the civil power. It is not true that the population is more favourable to the bandits than to the Government. Much of the support of the bandits has come by extortion and intimidation. On the other hand, support for orderly life and government authority increases every day. His Majesty's Government's policy in Malaya is to obtain by a steady and continuing process an ever increasing measure of responsibility by the people.