§ 19. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement about subversive activities and attacks on British troops in Sarawak.
§ Mr. FisherA small but well-organised Chinese Communist group in Sarawak has begun to train its young members secretly in the use of weapons. The members of this Communist group represent only a small minority of the Chinese community, which in turn is only 31 per cent. of the population.
My right hon. Friend the Minister for Defence, in his reply to the hon. Member for Leeds, East (Mr. Healey) on 24th April, gave information about a gun collection operation which the Sarawak Government have started and in which British Forces are assisting. These British troops have also been used to strengthen security measures in the border area.
In an incident near the border 5 Marines and 1 Police Constable were attacked on the night of the 22nd/23rd April. One Marine was slightly wounded, and when fire was returned the attackers withdrew towards the border. A minor incident also took place at Tebedu Police 86W Station on the night of 28th/29th April when a few shots were exchanged without any casualties occurring. These are the only incidents in which British troops have been involved.