CO537-4075 — Page 24

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B.3.

(iii)

the Chinese population of the country. Effective action is now being taken to fight Communist terrorism and so long as the country is kept secure by the presence of a sufficient number of British and other troops with modern equipment Asian civilians will feel that the Government is the stronger side and they will be more ready to co-operate.

Suggestions covering these points have already been con- sidered by the Federation of Malaya Central Committee to combat Communism.

A copy of

their recommendations is

attached at Appendix "A"."

EVACUATION OF CIVILIANS.

If the country were likely to be occupied by an enemy, arrangements should be made for the evacuation of women and children not engaged in any war duties who do not regard themselves as locally domiciled. Experience of conditions after the liberation in 1945 showed that it would have been of immense benefit to rehabilitation if there had been a number of men experienced in the admini- stration and trade of the country ready to return with the liberating forces. It is suggested that plans might be drawn to cover these classes also.

B.4.

Non-domiciled women should be encouraged to re- main at their duties, but refusal to provide for evacua- tion would probably mean that they would not join. It is suggested that care should be taken to ensure that any women not prepared to remain to carry out essential duties in the event of an invasion such as in 1941, should not be employed in key positions.

B.5.

All expatriate Government officials except those holding certain specific posts should be instructed to withdraw if the enemy over-runs their part of the

country.

B.6.

(C)

C.1.

By the promulgation of Emergency Regulations.

SCORCHED EARTH POLICY.

It is not considered that the scorched earth policy is suitable for Malaya except in respect of such installations as broadcasting stations, oil supplies, and works which could be used to produce articles of use to the war effort of the invading forces.

C.2.

It is considered that en Army survey with the advice of the Economic Secretary should be made in peace time.

(D)/