CO537-5132 — Page 43

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./