CO537-4835(2) — Page 161

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unlawful purposes or for purposes prejudicial to public peace or welfare or to good order in the Colany".

3. e feel that the proposals as thus elucidated would be completely defensible, even if attacked in relation to the Declareti m of "unsa Rights.

40 Moreover we in the Colonial office do not feel that the Commonwealth Relations Office need have any serious apprehension as regards the possibility of representation from the Goverment of India since, for the present at any rate, no action is contemplated against the Malayan Indian Congress. It is true that the position of this association is being examined. If, as a result of this examination, the Governor should find it necessary, on grounds such as those quoted in paragraph 2 above, to recommend that the M.I. should be brought within the operation of the Ordinance, it is inconceivable to us that, in the present circumstances in Malaya, Ministers would feel able to refrain from approving such a recomendation. but, aa I have indicated, this is at present a hypothetical issue and we hope therefore that the Commonwealth Relations of ice will not, on that account, opose proposals directe. pre ent

only against Chinese societies, and which are unanimously recommended by the Commissioner-Ceneral, the High Com-iscioner for the Vederation of Malaya and the Governors of Singapor: and Hong Kong.

5. e have not yet submit ed these proposals to our inisters but we have no doubt that they will

at

approve