-2-
C.
or should be taken to prevent the evasion of such Orders, particularly illicit re-entry after the Order has been given?
7..
Are legal or other powers necessary to deal with
any of the above points?
SCORCHED EARTH POLICY.
1.
What are your view on the efficacy of scorched earth policy (e.g. if effectively carried out does the hindrance to the enemy outweigh the disadvantages to the local Government when the country is eventually liberated from enemy occupation).
2.
If, for strategical purposes, the adoption of a scorched earth scheme is deemed essential, what steps should be taken in peace-time to ensure that it should be complete and effectively carried out?
3.
What guarantees or financial provision should be made to compensate and rehabilitate the owners of property destroyed as a result of the scorched earth policy?
ANTI-BRITISH ACTIVITIES.
D.
1.
ra
Can any suggestions be advanced for Special Units or some other form of organization to conduct operations in case of war for dealing with fifth column activities?
COMMAND.
2.
1.
From the civil government angle, what are your views in regard to Higher Command in the event of South East Asia being:-
2.
(a) a minor theatre of war;
(b) a major theatre of war.
Should the Supreme or Senior Commander in the theatre be:-
(a)
i.
(b)
ii.
Civil (e.g. a Minister of State);
A high ranking Service Chief, or iii. A War Council with civilian representation;
invested with final power of direction in regard to the prosecution of the war over civil Governors.
F.
COMMANDOS.
1.
This question will fall to be considered by the Local Defence Committees in connection with the role of Local and Territorial Forces, and no comments on this point need to be made at the present juncture.
/G. LABOUR