§ Mr. Hewlettasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) what arrangements have been made for publishing, as soon as available, the known casualties in the fighting in Malaya; and whether, in conjunction with the Colonial authorities, he will consider establishing in Singapore a bureau of information to which inquiries can be addressed on the fate of Europeans, both military and civilian;
1055W(2) whether he has received any information on the fate of the Europeans who took part in the defence of the Khota Bahru aerodrome; and, if so, whether it can be supplied on inquiry to relatives?
§ Mr. George HallOn the receipt of notification of any military casualties sustained in the fighting in Malaya, the next-of-kin are informed at once. Publication of the casualties will follow in due course, together with casualties in other theatres of operations in accordance with the general practice now in effect. In view of the great difficulties and delay in communications between this country and the Far East, and having regard to the present situation in Malaya, I do not consider that the establishment of an information bureau in Singapore could serve a useful purpose. The Governor of the Straits Settlements has been requested to notify to the Colonial Office, by telegraph, information regarding casualties amongst the European civil population and members of the local military volunteer forces, and he is, in fact, doing so. Military casualties will be reported to the War Office by the General Officer Commanding in conformity with the regulations on the subject. His Majesty's Government and the Japanese Government have agreed to exchange information regarding prisoners of war and interned civilians, and efforts are now being made through diplomatic channels to obtain information. I fear, however, that it may be some time before news is received. A record of the inquiries received is made by the Department concerned and in the event of any information being forthcoming it will be passed on to the inquirers. No specific information is yet available concerning such European troops who fought at Khota Bahru as may have fallen into the hands of the enemy.