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AUT9EN MİLİN MUHA LAITUES
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1. A wigt. Mİ (MOİJİM.05 10
SIJOE
Jus
90
Confidential.
Batavia.
12.3.26.
5242
Dear Mr. Petrie,
I have not very much to report from Batavia,
and I do not want to repeat at length what has already come to your notice in the C.G's report a few lines will
suffice.
1. According to the census returns of 1920 the mumber of British Indian subjects residing in the island of Java is 2200 the most important centre being Soerabaya, where Indian merchants have interests in the sugar industry. In Sumatra, according to the same census, the mumber is much greater, amounting to not less than 12500, of whom 8100 reside on the East Coast. The C.G. is therefore strongly of opinion that I should visit Medan. (I shall probably go across from Penang, either before or after visiting Bangkok by rail. The British Consul at Medan is being informed by the C.G.) As regards Java itself, he does not consider that the few British Indians who reside on the island have been in any way affected by recent political agitation. He is in very close touch with the Dutch authorities, who hold the same
opinion.
2. Since I was in Singapore there have been important developments of which you have received information.from Batavia. The existence of a
Communist centre at Singapore has now been discovered, and, thanks largely to the close co- operation of the Dutch authorities, the presence at Singapore of some of the Javanese communists has
been definitely established. To us in India this is a matter of considerable importance, as contact with
India
rade
Var
lisc