HC Deb 01 December 1943 vol 395 c384W
Mr. J. Dugdale

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in order to counter Japanese propaganda, he can make a statement regarding the political future of Malaya after its reconquest?

Colonel Stanley

The first objective of His Majesty's Government must be the liberation of Malaya from the Japanese invader and the reversal of the Japanese action in handing over four of the Malay territories to Siam. After this objective has been secured the main aim of His Majesty's Government as regards the political future of Malaya will be the development of its capacity for self-government within the Empire.