Troops, Police Ready In Kuala Lumpur For Expected Red Attack

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23043, 6 September 1949, Page 5

Troops, Police Ready In Kuala Lumpur For Expected Red Attack

(N.Z.P A.--Reuter —Copyright.) OLIS a.m.) SIXGAPORE. Sept. 5. The security forces in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of the Federation of Malaya, have been specially placed on the alert following intelliyenee reports that Communist terrorists have planned attacks on targets in the citv.

Guards have boon doubled at niafiy strategic points, and army and air force officers have been ordered to carry pistols hot Ii on and off (lilt v.

Mobile police patrols in the city Greets have been intensified.

Kuala Lumpur's civil population of 20,000 have not been officially informed of the reported threat, but have noted the extra precautions being taken and a certain tension is apparent.

There was a dramatic development today when six R.A.F. Besufighters destroyed with rockets and cannon-lire three huts in scrub country less than two miles from the residence of the High Commissioner, Sir Henry Gurney. A report had been received that a bandit gang had come in from the jungle and was hiding in the huts ready to make an attack on the town. A ‘large body of security forces surrounded the spot while planes blitzed it. The police captured one known bandit and held another 50 suspects for questioning.

Ground and air operations against the terrorists in Malaya are more intensive at present than at any time in the 15 months’ emergency. Planned actions against the bandits arc being concentrated in mid-Malaya although the security forces are carrying out daily patrols throughout the federation.