Insurrection In Malaya Will Be Suppressed

Wanganui Chronicle, 3 June 1950, Page 5

Insurrection In Malaya Will Be Suppressed

SINGAPORE, June 2 (Recd 9.55 pm).—“Having seen the mountain recesses of Malaya, its vast expanse of jungle, and its exposed communications, it is, to my mind, a triumph that things are not worse here than they are, the Colonial Secretary. Mr. James Griffiths, said today in a Press conference, held jointly with the Minister of War, Mr. John Strachey. Both Ministers said they were leaving with complete confidence in the future of Malaya, and that any armed insurrection would be suppressed.

“To do this we must make possible the development of a united Malaya of all races, which will progress steadily to self-Government within the framework of the British Commonwealth,” they added. Mr. Griffiths said: “There is still an immense amount of work to be done before all those people in lonely places now under fire can sleep peacefully at night. But we feel sure that the plans which have been prepared to deal with the trouble and are now being put into effect are along the right lines. We have discussed fully, on the highest level, what further is necessary from Britain, and we will do our utmost to meet those needs as quickly as possible. Britain will see t*fis thing through, side by side with the Malays.”

Mr. Griffiths declared that the importance of Malaya to the whole Commonwealth and the present world situation was fully realised by all who carried responsibility for its defence and direction. He refused to prophesy the length of time which might be needed to end the trouble, but described it as “a tough job” He added: “Having seen the country’s difficulties, great though they are, I feel they can be assessed squarely and confidently, and that repeated bad news must not be allowed to breed pessimism among those who are not. in touch with the situation. There have been far too many pessimistic and too many optimistic statements about this business.” Mr. Griffiths appealed to all Malayan people to co-operate wholeheartedly in the battle against Communism. “The battle must be won, for, if not, there will be no further discussion on political rights, constitution, or any other democratic developments.” Mr. Griffiths said: “Everywhere 1 have gone great friendliness for Great Britain has been apparent, ano we shall not rail our friends.” Mr. Strachev gave an undertaking that al. military measures which proved necessary to end the emergency would be taken. He reiterated the British Government's inflexible determination to restore law and order in Malaya, and paid tribute to the spirit of the troops who are carrying out exceedingly arduous operations. Replying io a question whether the Australian treops might be brought to Malaya. Mr. Strachey said he did not think the British Government would make a spec-tie request for a special kind of assistance from other members of the Commonwealth. Mr. Strachey said that in bis view the problem " as not basically a military cr.e, but one for civil administration and for trie police.