7%.
(Emusta)
Extrack on 910.45A/5
(B2). It must be the essence of our endeavour to show in practical manner to the native population that it is better off under British rule than under any other regime. To this end it is therefore important to implement schemes for development of the Colony in order that, by the consequent improvement of social and economic conditions, the inhabitants will regain security and prosperity and so become less liable to adopt the doctrines of Communi sea, The Chinese appreciate fair and just treatment and a degree of freedom in which to pursue their own purposes, but the natives require more practical assurances of their security, and everything possible should be done to support them and put them in a position to compete with the Chinese and other immigrant races. It is necessary to associate the people more closely with the Government of the colony to make them feel that they are participating in a constructive programme
5.
The value of propaganda amongst such a population as this is considerable and steps must be taken to counter the increasing Communist propaganda by the methods which have recently been recommended by the Special Planning Committee. It is emphasized, however, that anti- communistic propaganda should be realistic as many still remember in 1941 the release of over-optimistic Orders of the Day and of inaccurate statements regarding the inviolability of Singapore. The adverse effect on morale of propagania being found to be less than accurate is more serious amongst a population which is by nature more ready to believe all it sees and hears.
6.
It is also necessary to take adequate measures to maintain internal security and to this end consideration is being given to the strengthening of police and security services to counter any dissident elementa which may be encouraged by the auvance of Communism elsewhere.
7.
(B3 & 5). With regard to the evacuation of Europeans and Asiatics who do not regar themselves as locally domiciled, a realistic view must be taken. The idea that every officer must remain in the country should be dismissed as there are a number of officers whose value to the war effort in a wider field is such that it would be folly to permit them to be interned. It is, however, essential that officers charged with essential civil duties should remain at their posts as there is a duty towards the civil population. There are other officers whose services would be valuable in conducting clandestin operations against the enemy and in organising intelligence in the occupied country There ar: accordingly three classes of officers:
a. Key personnel whom it is desirable to evacuate
b. Officers on essential civil duties who must remain at
their posts, and
c. Officers who should be released for guerilla or intelligence
operations.
In order that confusion may be avoided a clear iniication should be given to each person where his duty will lie in time of war.
B.
(B,6,7). While the effect of the evacuation of non-domiciled women cannot fail to lower the morale of the population, it is not reason- able to subject them to the treatment of an enemy whose adherence to the usages of war is doustful and, moreover, their presence would restrict the activities of the men called up for service. Provision should there- fore be made in the precautionary period for the evacuation of all women and Government should be responsible for their withdrawal in good time. Provision on an adequate scale should be made for their reception and maintenance in the country of refuge. It may be that special permission
/to remain might