§ 72. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to prevent Communist agents in disguise from volunteering for the anti-bandit month in Malaya and being accepted.
Mr. GriffithsAll volunteers for the anti-bandit month were required to produce identity cards, and, except in the 41W larger towns, the great majority were recruited through local officials and associations to whom the applicants were known.
§ 74. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the worsening position in Malaya and of the strong local demand for the imposition of martial law as the only effective method of controlling the trouble; and if he will take the necessary steps at once.
Mr. GriffithsDuring recent weeks bandit activities have intensified in reaction to our own intensified efforts, but there has been no strong local demand for martial law. The imposition of martial law would not be an effective way of dealing with a situation in which the Government's principal instrument is the police force and in which one of the main requirements is the extension of effective civil administration to those remote rural areas where Chinese predominate. All the powers necessary can be taken by Emergency Regulations.
§ 82. Major Beamishasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the criticisms in military and civilian circles in Malaya that the strength and equipment of the military forces engaged against the Communist rebels is still inadequate; and if he will make another statement.
Mr. GriffithsThe strength and equipment of the military forces employed against the bandits in Malaya is under constant consideration and every effort will continue to be made to meet the requirements of those operations.