HC Deb 12 December 1957 vol 579 cc165-6W
108. Mr. Awbery

asked the Under secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he is aware that Tungku Abdul Rahman, the Prime Minister of Malaya, has agreed to meet Mr. Chin Peng for the purpose of discussing terms to end the war in Malaya; and, in view of the continued employment of Imperial troops in the emergency, what arrangements have been made for the participation of Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom in these negotiations.

Mr. Alport

I am informed that the Prime Minister of the Federation of Malaya has agreed to a preliminary meeting between representatives of himself and of Chin Peng to discuss arrangements for the surrender of the Communist terrorists. Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom do not seek to participate in any such discussions which are the responsibility of the Malayan Government.

109. Mr. Awbery

asked the Under secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he is aware that the Chief Police Officer of Penang, with the explicit approval of the director of operations of the British forces engaged there, in formed the residents of the island who are believed to have relatives among the guerillas that he will expel them from the island if they fail to secure the surrender of certain guerillas; and if this approval was given with his authority.

Mr. Alport

No. The conduct of Emergency operations in the Federation of Malaya is the exclusive responsibility of the Government of the Federation of Malaya and the officers to whom the hon. Member refers are responsible to the Government of the Federation of Malaya.

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