GOOD WISHES FOR STATE

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28371, 2 September 1957, Page 11

GOOD WISHES FOR STATE

British Press Enthusiasm

(Rec. 11p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 31. Warm wishes for the success of independent Malaya and suggestions for that success dominated today’s British comment. “The Times” said that it was. a measure of growing British appreciation of the new Asia that Malaya should <have gained her freedom even earlier than had been expected when the Federation held its first elections two years ago.

“Yet it is neither too early, nor lacking in generosity, or good will, to point to the dangers which lie almost immediately ahead,” said “The Times.” “The mere ease of the change, compared with the anti-colonial struggles of other countries, has meant a leadership in Malaya untested by setbacks and disappointment. “Malayan nationalism has not been born out of conflict. There is not a Minister in the new Government who has ever spent a day in prison for sedition. Sifting Policies

“One of the dangers is thus that much of the sifting of personalities and policies will have to follow independence rather than precede it.” The “Manchester Guardian”, said that independence had come about with maximum good humour between the British Government and the new ruling parties in Malaya. It criticised, however, Malaya’s rejection -of.the idea of including Singapore in the Federation by saying that if Singapore had come under federal control they would have had a better chance of stemming the rise of communism.

“What are the prospects of a smooth passage for the new State?” the “Manchester Guardian” said. “Much will depend on the durability of the alliance, the coalition between Malay and Chinese parties. £