Red Attacks on Singapore Expected to Accompany Proclamation of Republic

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22690, 15 July 1948, Page 5

Red Attacks on Singapore Expected to Accompany Proclamation of Republic

(N.Z.P. A.—Reuter— Copyright.)

(11.15 a.m.) SINGAPORE, July 14. The Malayan Communists are expected to proclaim a Soviet Republic of Malaya in the first week of August, it is reliably learned in Singapore today.

They are expected soon afterwards to seek a trial of strength on Singapore Island, with possible attacks against strategic installations and police stations. At the same time, they will try to foment further industrial trouble.

The authorities are taking the strongest counter-measures to prevent the infiltration of Communist leaders from the mainland to the island. Commissioner’s Warning

It is believed that the CommissionerGeneral of Malaya, Mr. Malcolm MacDonald, had this possible development in mind when he warned in a recent broadcast that terrorism might shortly spread to Singapore. The police have already rounded up the most “undesirable elements," and it is confidently believed that they are powerful enough on the limited spaces of Singapore Island to deal effectively with any terrorist challenge. Colonel W. N. Gray, former Inspec-tor-General of the Palestine Police, is expected in many quarters of Kuala Lumpur to become the next High Commissioner of the Federation of Malaya in succession to Sir Edward Gent. Colonel Gray is at present in Kuala Lumpur assisting the police in an advisory capacity. Not Enough Troops

Events of the past 48 hours, particularly an attack on the Batu Arang coal mine, gave rise to the belief that there are not enough troops in the country to afford adequate protection to the inhabitants and to round up terrorists. It is believed that British ex-jungle fighters with experience in Burma will be invited to join a special irregular corps to seek out these gangs. A serious deficiency in Malaya at present is the shortage of wireless equipment. A countrywide network of wireless sets is needed to speed up communications and to counteract the terrorist practice of cutting telephone wires before launching well-planned attacks.

The terrorists so far have exploited to the full surprise, mobility, flexibility, concentration and concealment.