§ 87. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the terms of the amnesty proposed by the Alliance leaders of Malaya which were rejected by the Director of Operations; what were the reasons for their rejection; and if he will keep under constant review the question of a settlement by other means than military.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe leaders of the Alliance made a suggestion to the Press that an amnesty might be offered, but did not specify terms. The hon. Member will see, from the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Mr. G. M. Thomson), on 26th January, that this suggestion was not simply rejected by the Director of Operations himself. The answer to the last part of the Question is "Yes."
§ 96. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenportasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the amnesty proposed by certain Alliance leaders in Malaya has aroused resentment amongst wide sections of the population in that territory on the grounds that it would constitute a betrayal of the many civilians who have died or suffered at the hands of the Communist terrorists during recent years; and whether he will give an assurance that this proposal will not be adopted.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNo. The Director of Operations' Committee has decided not to proceed with the proposal, but it is keeping the matter under review.