1.
ANNEXE "A"
NOTE BY COLONIAL OFFICE AND FOREIGN OFFICE
MALAY A
SECRET
Attitude to be adopted in publicity towards Communism in Malaya and China
Communist successes in China have in some measure
instilled in the Chinese in Malaya a feeling of pride in the
achievements of the Communist armies and of satisfaction that
China will have a strong Government respected in the Counsels
of the Nations. Recognition of a Communist Government in China
will confirm this attitude of the Overseas Chinese and, unless
the publicity connected with it is handled carefully, the
consequences may become serious by:
2.
(a) confusing the mass of the Chinese population in
Malaya by making them feel that recognition implies
approval of Communism,
(b)
boosting the morale and strengthening the resistance
of the Communist bandits in Malaya, and
(c) increasing the difficulties which the Malayan
administrations expect when Chinese Communist Consuls
are appointed.
The problem has been carefully considered by the
Commissioner-General, the High Commissioner for the Federation
of Malaya and the Governor of Singapore, in consultation with
H.M. Ambassador to China and the Officers Administering the
Governments of North Borneo and Sarawak during the Conference
of His Majesty's Representatives at Bukit Serene on the 2nd -
4th November. Discussions have also taken place between the
Foreign Office and Colonial Office, and Mr. Dening of the
Foreign Office, who took part in the Bukit Serene talks, has
again been consulted. It has now been agreed in London that
the following line should be taken.
3./